The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Although there is proof of belief in the assumption in the writings of the early Church Fathers and in various liturgies it was only in the 18^th Century that Benedict XIV declared it a truth that no one was permitted to doubt. That first Vatican Council was adjourned before this item was reached on the agenda as it had yet to be defined as dogma until Pius XII proclaimed solemnly that “the blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, at the close of her earthly career was taken up into heaven, body and soul”.

Intriot: Apoc. 12. 1. A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve starts. Ps. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because He hath done wonderful things.

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taken up the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of Thy Son, with the body and soul into heavenly glory: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may always, intent on higher things, deserve to be partakers of her glory.

Offertory: Gen 3.15. I will put enmities between thee and the Woman, and between thy seed and her Seed.

Communion: Luke 1. 48-48. All generations shall call me blessed, because He that is mighty hath done great things to me.

Sancta María. Ora pro nobis.
Sancta Dei Génitrix. Ora pro nobis.
Sancta Virgo vírginum. Ora pro nobis.