Holy Days of Obligation The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a significant feast in the Catholic calendar. As Catholics, this holy day reminds us not only of the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the narrative of redemption but also the promise of eternal life that awaits each of us. This solemnnity is one of the Holy Days of Obligation on which Catholics are called to attend Mass.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the Blessed Mother’s entrance into heavenly glory. The Catechism explains that Mary “was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC, 974).

Mary’s Assumption into heaven reminds us that life on earth is a pilgrimage to our ultimate destination. We prepare in hope for our own passage into eternal life by the choices we make today. When we choose to love and follow God in our daily lives, we strengthen our relationship with Him, and this relationship is the true meaning of heaven: “To live in heaven is ‘to be with Christ’” (CCC, 1025 citing St. Ambrose).

Other Holy Days of Obligation

  • Every Sunday
  • Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - January 1st
  • The Ascension - Thursday, Sixth Week of Easter (transferred to following Sunday for Catholics in Archdiocese of Miami)
  • Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - August 15th (When this Solemnity falls on a Monday or Saturday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated.)
  • All Saints Day - November 1st
  • The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - December 8th
  • The Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ - December 25th

Note: Some ask why Easter is not listed. That is because it falls on a Sunday each and every year and every Sunday is a Holy Day of Obligation, therefore it is included.