Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Julia Parish,
 
This weekend in the life of the Church we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This solemnity always falls on August 15, and because it falls on a Sunday this year of 2021, it supersedes the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time.  As with every solemnity, we proclaim the Gloria / Glory to God in the Highest, and recite the Nicene or Apostles Creed.  So, what is it that we celebrate today?  That the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed both body and soul into heaven, and that she was spared the corruption of death.  This was defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and is considered official Church teaching.  It is only the second time that “Papal infallibility” (that the Pope was teaching something that was free from error and something that was official Church teaching) was ever invoked in the Church.  I’ve included a number of “questions and answers” below regarding the Assumption of Mary for your information and enrichment.
 
While the Assumption of Mary has spurred debate among Catholics and Christians alike, one thing is certain.  We need Mary in our lives.
 
In a 2002 homily, Pope John Paul II said:
 
“If Jesus is Life, Mary is the Mother of Life.
If Jesus is Hope, Mary is the Mother of Hope.
If Jesus is Peace, Mary is the Mother of Peace, Mother of the Prince of Peace.”
 
May we seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother, our Mother of life, our Mother of Hope, our Mother of Peace.
 
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
 
May God continue to bless each of you and those that you love, and I look forward to you joining me for the celebration of Mass this weekend.
 
Fr. Greg