St. Carthagh's and St. Edmund's Catholic Churches

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII 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.” The pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church.

We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.

With grateful hearts for God’s grace of one faith, one baptism, one hope and one Lord Jesus Christ, the  Good News of God’s unconditional love for all, we stand united as a community of God’s people in the  Archdiocese of Kingston. Conscious of our equality in God’s eyes and His personal love for us and  imbued with the evangelical zeal of our patrons and Mary, the Mother of the Church, we reflect God’s  goodness in our community and in our dealings with others. Guided by the Spirit and assisted by prayer  and the Sacraments, we strive to deepen our personal relationship with Christ Jesus and to share him  with others.

On behalf of Archbishop Mulhall, I am forwarding the following message:
 

To mark the fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, on the 19 March 2021, Pope Francis inaugurated a special year dedicated to the family entitled, Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”. This special year will highlight the importance of the family within the domestic Church and encourage community ties between families through several spiritual, pastoral and cultural proposals.

In preparation for the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has provided the attached resource brochure, in English and French, with pertinent information and suggestions for the special year, which will open on the 19 March 2021 and conclude on the 26 June 2022 at the celebration of the 10^th World Meeting of Families, in Rome.

Throughout the year, the Dicastery will be providing supplementary information and resources. You are also invited to consult the Dicastery’s website dedicated to the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”:

http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/amoris-laetitia.html