Archbishop Lori to celebrate Solemnity of the Assumption at Baltimore Basilica

Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation, with a special 12:10 p.m. Mass Aug. 15 at the Baltimore Basilica.

The  feast day commemorates Mary’s assumption into heaven, body and soul, after her earthly life.

After consulting with the world’s bishops, Pope Pius XII made the Assumption a doctrine of the Catholic Church during a Nov. 1, 1950 celebration at St. Peter’s Square. It was the only exercise of papal infallibility in the 20th century.

The solemnity is the patronal feast day for the Baltimore Basilica, which is formally named the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Parishes throughout the archdiocese will also offer Masses in observance of the solemnity.

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