As summer vacation nears an end, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore will observe the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Aug. 15.
The mid-August holy day of obligation marks the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Web site, usccb.org, “This feast commemorates two events – the “falling asleep” (or “Dormitio”) of the Blessed Virgin at the end of her life, and her being taken up to heaven.”
In 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith.
At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien celebrated the 12:10 Mass on Aug. 15. Parishioners also received Our Lady of the Assumption medals, and a cookie and iced-tea reception was held after the Mass, according to Mark J. Potter, executive director of The Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust.
For Mass times, contact your local church. If on vacation, contact 1-800-627-7846 to find out Mass times.