From the Pastor’s Desk
On Sunday e
vening with its Vigil Mass, the Church will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Normally we would observe this as a holy day of obligation. However, since the actual feast occurs on a Monday this year, the obligation to participate in Mass is abrogated.
Nonetheless, the importance of this feast demands that we observe it as faithful members of the Church. The feast was originally called “Mary’s Dormition in the Lord,” or falling asleep and commemorated not only her death but also that she was the first to share in the fullness of her Son’s Paschal Mystery, that is, the resurrection of the body of which we state in the Creed.
In Jerusalem, near Mount Zion, is a Benedictine Monastery and is one of the traditional places where Mary died. The picture (above) is in the crypt of the church and is where millions of Catholic and Orthodox Christians remember the mystery of Mary’s Dormition, her Assumption, regularly.
I want to encourage you to attend Mass for this feast if you are able. The Vigil will be celebrated at the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Mass. There will be two Masses on Monday, August 15 at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Love,
Father Tom