Reflections on the Assumption, by John M. Grondelski

Saint of the Day for August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

August 15, 2023

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Awesome and Extraordinary

August 15, 2023

*Image: The Assumption of the Virgin by Francesco Botticini, c. 1475-6 [National Gallery, London]. Painted on wood, the work is approximately 7.5 feet by 12.4 feet and was created for the funeral chapel of the Florentine apothecary, writer, and politician Matteo Palmieri, who died in 1475.

By John M. Grondelski, The Catholic Thing, Aug. 15, 2023

John Grondelski (Ph.D., Fordham) is a former associate dean of the School of Theology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey. All views herein are exclusively his.

Though it was only in 1950 that the Feast of the Assumption was defined by Pope Pius XII, Catholics have believed that “having completed the course of her earthly life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken body and soul to heaven,” going back to Patristic times.

Various factors, however, worked against the formal establishment of the feast.

Ecumenists find it awkward in dialogue with Protestants concerned about “Mariolatry.” And even the Orthodox who might agree with the substance of the dogma often don’t like that the pope defined it.

High Mariology focused on Mary’s uniqueness. The Assumption was the special privilege of the one who was immaculately conceived (another ecumenical stumbling block). The body of the sinless woman who bore the Body of Christ could not suffer corruption. …

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Reflections on the Assumption, by John M. Grondelski

Saint of the Day for August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Awesome and Extraordinary

By John M. Grondelski, The Catholic Thing, Aug. 15, 2023

Though it was only in 1950 that the Feast of the Assumption was defined by Pope Pius XII, Catholics have believed that “having completed the course of her earthly life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken body and soul to heaven,” going back to Patristic times.

Various factors, however, worked against the formal establishment of the feast.

Ecumenists find it awkward in dialogue with Protestants concerned about “Mariolatry.” And even the Orthodox who might agree with the substance of the dogma often don’t like that the pope defined it.

High Mariology focused on Mary’s uniqueness. The Assumption was the special privilege of the one who was immaculately conceived (another ecumenical stumbling block). The body of the sinless woman who bore the Body of Christ could not suffer corruption. …

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