Special Anniversary!

This weekend, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a great joy to celebrate this feast on a Sunday because it does not happen that much. If the feast fell on any other day in the calendar it would be a holy day of obligation. The Feast of the Assumption is special this year because it is the 60th Anniversary of the Assumption being declared an official teaching of the Catholic Church. Even though the thought and belief of Mary being assumed into Heaven, body and soul, had been around for centuries, nothing formal had been declared. Then, on November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII (1939-1958), declared that the teaching of the Assumption would be dogma, official teaching of the church. It follows the declaration that Mary was immaculately conceived witout original sin. That is what we celebrate on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in December. The Immaculate Conception of Mary was officially declared dogma in
1854. Our Church is rich in history, tradition, and faith. We thank God for these beautiful feasts, but most of all, we thank Him for the example of our Blessed Mother. Her yes, giving herself totally to God's will, is an example for all of us. Let us be open to our Blessed Mother's maternal hand and always trust in her continued prayers and intercessions! Have a blessed feast day!!!