The Feast of the Assumption has been celebrated since the first centuries of Christianity. But officially, this solemnity recognized on August 15 each year is a little over 70 years old.
VINCENZO BATTAGLIA
Dogmatic expert
We can say that already in previous centuries—I am referring, for example, to medieval times—the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary already existed, that is, it was not only born when Pius XII defined the dogma on November 1, 1950.
A dogma is a definite truth of faith. That is, it must be shown in divine revelation and must have been handed down through tradition from the first centuries of the Church.
VINCENZO BATTAGLIA
Dogmatic expert
The Church does not create revealed truths. The Church is the depository of Revelation and is at the service of Revelation. The only author of Revelation is God, God thrice holy, as the dogmatic constitution Dei Verbum of the Second Vatican Council teaches. Jesus, the Christ, is the fulfillment, the fullness of Revelation.
A dogma can be proclaimed through a Council or when the Pope pronounces it “ex cathedra.” The Assumption of Mary was the most recent dogma announced by the Church, under the pontificate of Pius XII.
POPE BENEDICT XVI
On the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, we contemplate the Mother of God participating with her body and soul in the glory of heaven. In her, we see already realized the fullness of life to which we are all called.
This was the last Angelus that Pope Benedict addressed to the faithful on the Feast of the Assumption. The following year, in 2013, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the Assumption at the papal summer residence.
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