Feast of the Assumption – Honouring Our Lady’s Heavenly Homecoming
On Friday 15 August, Catholics around the world will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven, by God, at the end of her life. It reminds us of her closeness to Jesus and her example of faith, obedience and love.
Although Pope Pius XII officially declared this belief as dogma in 1950, Catholics have honoured the Assumption since the earliest days of the Church. It has always been part of our prayer, teaching and tradition.
75 years ago, Pope Pius XII proclaimed:
“Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
Why the Assumption is Important Today
The Assumption is not just a teaching from history. It is a celebration of hope and eternal life. Mary’s journey reminds us that we too are called to share in Christ’s resurrection. It is a sign of God’s promise to all who follow Him.
In this Jubilee year, Mary’s Assumption has special meaning as a feast of great hope. In fact, as the preface in the liturgy for the day reminds us, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as a “sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people.”
Mary and Santa Maria College
Our name, Santa Maria, Latin for ‘Holy Mary’, reflects our deep connection to her. As a school founded in the Mercy tradition, we look to Mary as a guide, a protector and a model of courage, compassion and faith. Her Assumption reminds us that a life lived with trust in God’s plan leads to joy beyond measure.
Celebrating the Assumption
For Catholics, the Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, a time to attend Mass and give thanks for Mary’s “yes” to God. It is also a moment to reflect on how we can live with her same faith and humility.
At Santa Maria College, we join the global Church in celebrating Our Lady’s heavenly homecoming with Mass on Friday at 8.00 am in the McDonald Building (Riverside). Members of our community are invited to join with us as we give thanks for her example, her prayers and her loving presence in our lives.
Local parishes will also celebrate the Feast of the Assumption at the following times:
7.00 am, 9.00 am and 7.00 pm
7.30 am and 9.00 am
9.00 am
9.00 am and 7.00 pm
St Benedict’s Parish, Applecross
St Joseph Pignatelli, Attadale
Our Lady of Fatima, Palmyra
Holy Family Catholic Church, Como
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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