The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on Monday, Aug. 15, but it is not a holy day of obligation this year. The Assumption is one of three church feasts, including the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Jan. 1, and the Solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1, where the precept to attend Mass is “abrogated” or suspended when it falls on a Saturday or a Monday.

On the Solemnity of the Assumption, Catholics celebrate Mary being taken, body and soul, into heaven following her death. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that the Blessed Mother’s assumption “is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.” (No. 966)