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Get ready to celebrate the Vigil of Assumption Day on August 14, also known as the Feast of the Assumption of Mary! This day holds great significance in the Catholic Church and is a time to honor the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It's a day filled with traditions and festivities, such as processions, feasts, and special church services. Whether you're religious or not, this is a day to come together and appreciate the power of faith and devotion. So mark your calendars and join in on this joyous celebration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>431</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mary Officially Honored</div><div class='timeline-text'>Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary as Theotokos or "God-bearer", a crucial step in acknowledging her divine significance and eventual Assumption.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Appearances of Assumption</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 7th century, homilies presented the "dormition" and Assumption of Mary, early versions of the belief as we know it today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Religious Art Depicts Assumption</div><div class='timeline-text'>Artistic depictions of Mary's Assumption start to appear, reflecting growing acceptance of the belief.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Assumption Doctrine Defined</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Pius XII dogmatically defined the Assumption of Mary as an official doctrine of the Catholic Church.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Modern Times</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebrations Evolve</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cultures around the world celebrate Assumption Day and its vigil with a mixture of religious observances and folk traditions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a vigil mass</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The night before the Assumption of Mary is known as the Vigil of Assumption Day. Attend a special mass at your local church to honor this important feast day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In many cultures, Vigil of Assumption Day is celebrated with a traditional meal. Do some research and prepare a feast with dishes that are typically eaten on this day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with flowers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Assumption of Mary is often associated with flowers, especially white lilies. Decorate your home or church with flowers to honor this holy day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a procession</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold processions on the Vigil of Assumption Day. Join in with your family and friends to walk and pray together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie about the Assumption of Mary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many films that tell the story of the Assumption of Mary. Gather some loved ones and watch one together to learn more about this important event in Catholic faith.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the Virgin Mary and her heavenly assumption</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Vigil of Assumption Day is an important holiday in the Catholic Church as it celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven upon her death. It is a time to reflect on the power and devotion of this holy figure.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In many countries, Vigil of Assumption Day is celebrated with parades, processions, and special religious services. These events bring people together to celebrate their faith and reinforce their sense of community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It signifies hope for eternal life</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to honoring the Virgin Mary, Vigil of Assumption Day also serves as a reminder of the Christian belief in eternal life after death. This brings comfort and hope to those who have lost loved ones and reaffirms their faith in the afterlife.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Assumption Is Noted in The Dead Sea Scrolls</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Assumption of Mary is specifically mentioned in the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls text, confirming that the belief existed many centuries ago.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some Orthodox Churches Fast Before the Feast</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many Orthodox Christian communities observe a two-week fasting period known as the Dormition Fast before the Feast of the Assumption on August 14.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Special Prayers are Recited Called Paraklesis</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Dormition Fast, Orthodox Christians often say special supplicatory prayers called Paraklesis each evening to the Theotokos (Mother of God).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Assumption Day is a public holiday in many countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>Countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Greece treat Assumption Day as a public holiday and generally have a day off from work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Church of the Assumption in Jerusalem is a Significant Pilgrimage Site</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Church of the Assumption (also known as the Church of the Dormition) in Jerusalem is believed to be the place where Mary fell asleep for the last time, making it a major pilgrimage site for believers.</p></div></div>
Vigil of Assumption Day is celebrated on August 14 every year. In 2024, the day falls on a Wednesday.
2023
Aug 14
Monday
2024
Aug 14
Wednesday
2025
Aug 14
Thursday
2026
Aug 14
Friday
2027
Aug 14
Saturday
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