SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY 2025

August 15, we celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

“God welcomes Mary who gave birth to his Son"

The feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one of the most beautiful celebrations on which Christians honor her. However, has it always been celebrated as we do today? No.

Throughout history, the Church's faith has been affirmed in Mary, the Mother of the Savior and of humanity. At Pentecost, after receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the apostles set out on a mission to proclaim the Good News of Salvation to the whole world. This belief has also become established among Eastern Christians: "Mary is fully associated with the glorious resurrection of her Son". To evoke this passage to heaven, Eastern Christians speak of "the Dormition of the Virgin”.

In 1950, after consulting the Catholic bishops, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption: "At the end of her earthly existence, it is a matter of faith to believe that Mary was glorified in soul and body". Mary is the young woman God chose to be the mother of his Son. In her, we contemplate the wonders that the Holy Spirit works in our human nature. Jesus knows he can count on his mother, as a son counts on his own mother. Mary keeps in her heart what Jesus says and does in the name of his Father in heaven.

Mary is the woman mentioned in the Book of Revelation. She wins the battle against the forces of evil and sin. Mary accompanies us as we live out our baptismal vocation. Since that blessed day, we are "children of God". He recognizes us as his children.

With Mary our Mother, we live now in the hope of the world to come.

Happy Feast of the Assumption to all.

+Bishop Christian Nourrichard
Ecclesiastical Assistant of Vie Montante Internationale