In the third and early fourth centuries A.D., apocryphal (widely accepted but unofficial) writings pondered the Dormition/Assumption of Mary, but none of them reached the level of dogmatic belief.
The Feast of the Assumption (or simply “The Assumption”) is extensively celebrated throughout Christendom on August 15. This holy day commemorates the bodily ascent of the Virgin Mary to heaven at the conclusion of her life. Assumption festivities include festivals, vibrant street processions, pyrotechnics, and pageantry. Although a “feast” is not required, there is a longstanding tradition of blessing the summer harvest with a prayer. There are even “Assumption”-specific recipes included in family dinners. Sounds divine! The faithful light candles, attend masses, and recite petitions for world peace.
In the third and early fourth centuries A.D., apocryphal (widely accepted but unofficial) writings pondered the Dormition/Assumption of Mary, but none of them reached the level of dogmatic belief. Then, in the fourth century, the bishop Epiphanius of Salamis wrote about the differing philosophies regarding the nature of the death of the Virgin Mary, identifying three groups of belief but failing to reach a broad consensus. He concluded, “No one knows her end.” By the eighth century, an apocryphal text known as the “Transitus Mariae” was so widely accepted that John of Damascus was able to establish its narrative as the church’s official narrative from then on.
Also in the eighth century, Pope Sergius I encouraged celebrations for the Feast of the Assumption in the West, and Pope Leo IV made the Feast official.
The holiday has not only survived but also thrived to the present day, despite the fact that the church has never provided any concrete historical or explicit Biblical evidence (the Biblical citations are merely metaphorical) and has never completely acknowledged the story’s dependence on apocrypha.
Our guidance? Attend the street festivals and parades, whether you are Catholic, a member of another religion, or not religious at all. God would surely smile upon a gathering of loving, joyful friends!
Feast of the Assumption: Wishes, Quotes, Messages, Greetings and More!
My beloved speaks to me and says, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and depart, for the winter has passed and the rain has ceased.”
And a great portent appeared in the heavens: a woman clad in the sun, with the moon at her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.
Rise, O Lord, and proceed to your place of repose, you and the sanctuary of your might. Let your clerics be attired in righteousness, and let your saints rejoice.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he adored standing nearby, he told his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he addressed the disciple, saying, “Behold, your mother!” And from that moment on, the disciple took her home with him.
All of them, including the women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers, were united in their devotion to prayer.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 15 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | August 15 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 15 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 15 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 15 | Sunday |
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