Assumption

The Latest

Assumption of the Virgin Mary, fresco painting in San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, Italy.

The fascinating history of the feast of Mary’s assumption

Aug 15, 2023

By CNA Staff

This feast day is a relatively new one but the history of the holy day and the mystery behind it... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at the at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens on May 31st, 2021.

Pope Francis on Assumption feast: 'Humility is the way that leads to heaven'

Aug 15, 2021

By Courtney Mares

On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis gave a reminder that God exalts those... Read more

Cardinal Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, celebrates Mass Nov. 1, 2020, at Rome’s Shrine of Our Lady of the Third Millennium at Tre Fontane.

Vatican cardinal marks 70 years since proclamation of dogma of the Assumption

Nov 3, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Catholics in Rome marked the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Assumption Sunday with a solemn... Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass in Gyumri, Armenia June 25, 2016.

Pope Francis: Mary’s Assumption was a 'giant leap for mankind'

Aug 15, 2020

By Courtney Mares

On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis said that Mary’s assumption into Heaven was... Read more

Korean cardinal to consecrate Pyongyang Diocese to Mary on Assumption

Aug 13, 2020

The Archbishop of Seoul, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, has announced that he will consecrate the Diocese of Pyongyang to Our... Read more

Blessing of the Sea. Photo courtesy of St Mary Star of the Sea parish.

The annual Assumption tradition of blessing the sea

Aug 13, 2020

For hundreds of years, Catholic parishes in coastal cities have participated in the tradition of blessing the sea and praying... Read more

Holy Snakes! A Marian feast day's strange, stunning miracle

Aug 15, 2018

Every year, on the Orthodox feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, a monastery on a Greek island experiences a... Read more

Pope Francis with a statue of Mary and baby Jesus in St. Peter's Square during the general audience on Sept 9, 2015.

In Christ, Mary brings new joy and meaning to mankind, Pope says

Aug 15, 2017

By Elise Harris

On the Feast of the Assumption, Pope Francis said that in bringing Christ to the world, Mary also provides the... Read more

A statue of Bernadette Soubirous and Our Lady of Guadalupe near the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France on May 15, 2015.

Lourdes increased its security for the Assumption

Aug 16, 2016

The popular pilgrimage site at Lourdes, France beefed up its security Monday for the Solemnity of the Assumption.  Read more

Mary. Artist Giovanni Battista Gaulli, Museu da Casa Brasileira. Wikimedia Commons.

France offering all Assumption Masses for the country's intentions

Aug 15, 2016

By Elise Harris

Following the wave of Islamist terror attacks that have bloodied France since last year, the country’s bishops have decided to... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Gyumri, Armenia, June 25, 2016.

Pope prays for massacre victims in DRC

Aug 15, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis marked the feast of the Assumption of Mary by praying for the dozens of people massacred over the... Read more

Okla. Christians counter Satanic mockery of Virgin Mary with prayer

Aug 11, 2016

Another planned black mass and an additional satanic ritual in Oklahoma City is timed to mock a Marian feast and... Read more

Pope Francis prays before a statue of Mary in St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 30, 2013.

For Pope Francis, Mary's greatness comes down to this one virtue

Aug 15, 2015

By Elise Harris

On the feast of the Assumption of Mary, Pope Francis said that faith is the defining virtue of her greatness,... Read more

Mass at Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok 2013.

Thai Catholics encouraged to imitate Virgin Mary's faith life

Aug 17, 2013

Mary is a perfect model for Christians, who should imitate their Blessed Mother and learn from her, said a Thai... Read more

CNA

Spanish bishop calls for active charity on feast of Assumption

Aug 16, 2013

Bishop Mario Iceta of Bilbao, Spain, said that like Mary, we should allow our lives to be used to offer... Read more

Pope Francis lays flowers at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Lujan on May 8, 2013.

Pope tells nuns that they are like Mary, opening heaven

Aug 15, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

While visiting a convent of Poor Clare nuns yesterday, Pope Francis said that “a consecrated woman is a little like... Read more

Mikokoro Center, Nagoya, Japan.

Assumption speaks to Japan's Catholics, missionary says

Aug 13, 2013

The Feast of the Assumption is an important celebration for Catholicism in Japan because of its link to both death... Read more