There are few papal announcements that carried the weight of the Nov. 1, 1950 declaration from Pope Pius XII which defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”
What the pope declared was already the common belief of the Catholic Church. We celebrate this teaching every Aug. 15.
Homilies on the Assumption go back to the sixth century. The Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century.
Scripture does not tell us about Mary’s assumption into heaven. But we know from tradition that Mary was part of the community formed by the apostles. She must have played a vital leadership role as Jesus’ mother.
The early post-resurrection community became known for its sharing of resources among the believers. One way to honor Our Blessed Mother this month is assisting the work of our friars who continue to assist the poor and the marginalized.
St. Francis said, “For it is in giving that we receive.”
Please consider remembering the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in your will or trust.
Planned Giving to the Franciscans allows you to make a charitable contribution as part of your overall financial and estate planning. You can do this in a variety of ways, including bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies and retirement accounts.
To learn more about how you can help the Franciscan Friars reach those who are living on the margins in today’s world, contact Brian Smail, OFM, via email at bsmail@friars.us or by calling 646-473-0265, ext. 303.
The mother of all Christians will appreciate it.