Pope celebrates Assumption with parishioners in Castel Gandolfo
August 16, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the feast of the Assumption on August 15 by presiding at Mass in the parish church of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo.
In his homily, the Pope said that with her assumption into heaven, the Virgin Mary brings mankind closer to God, through her constant intercession for us. Today the world in general is seeking to escape from God, the Pope observed. But Christians should be “indefatigable pilgrims,” relying on the help of the Mother of God as we make our way to be with her.
At midday on August 15, the Pope met with pilgrims in the courtyard of his summer residence, and spoke about the history of the feast day. Although the dogma of the assumption was formally proclaimed only in 1950, he reminded his audience, the belief that Mary was bodily assumed dates back to the earliest days of the Church.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Pope marks Assumption with Mass and Angelus (Vatican Radio)
- Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption (Vatican Radio)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
