Above is the Ritzos icon of the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Blessed Virgin Mary. What we celebrate in the west as the Assumption is celebrated as the Dormition in the eastern rites. Be sure to visit this University of Dayton site for Virginia Kimball's fascinating and beautiful reflection on this icon and an opportunity to see portions of it enlarged for greater detail. It's worth the "trip" to Dayton!
On November 1, 1950, 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.
- For more information, check the entry for Saint of the Day.
The scripture readings for the vigil and Mass on the day of the feast of the Assumption (August 15) can be found here.
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