The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is August 15th! Here are some quick facts about this Feast:
- The Assumption of Mary is a Solemnity
- The Assumption of Mary is one of the 4 dogmas of the church
- Pope Pius XII declared it a dogma of the church on November 1, 1950
- The Assumption of Mary is the 4th Glorious Mystery of the Rosary
- The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is one of the Holy Days of Obligation in the Catholic Church (when it doesn’t fall on a Monday or Saturday). It is a Saturday in 2026. Double check with your own Diocese for further information on Holy Days of Obligation because they can vary from place to place.
Here are some simple and holy ways to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. I have a recipe, prayers, books, and music to share with you.
Go to Mass
Solemnities are such holy and beautiful days to go to Mass! Be sure to prioritize Mass today for you and your family. Here are the readings for this Mass to help you prepare.
Pray the Divine Office
Choose any of the hours of the Divine Office. Many will be themed for today’s Solemnity.
Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is the 4th Glorious Mystery.
Holy Heroes has a fantastic set for praying the rosary with small children. If you don’t want to splurge for the entire set right now, you could start building your collection with the Glorious Mysteries book and add the rest later!
Holy Heroes also has the Glorious Mysteries on CD or as an instant mp3 download.
Be sure to use code ALEXANDRA for 10% off of your entire Holy Heroes order!
Sing a Marian Hymn
Here is an entire video with a playlist of Classical Marian Hymns for the Assumption of Mary. Play it at home or in the car to celebrate the Solemnity!
Learn About the 4 Marian Dogmas
Check out this post by Pat Gohn that breaks down each of the 4 Marian Dogmas and give scripture and catechism references. You could also print out the free Marian Dogma trading cards to give to your kids or students.
Read When Mary Says Yes by Gracie Jagla
This is an adorable book from Catholic author, Gracie Jagla. When Mary Says Yes is all about Mary’s like, her fiat, and how we can say “yes” to God like Mary. If your child likes Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, then he or she will love When Mary Says Yes (except they get to yell out “yes” instead of “no”!).
There is also a page in the book showing her Assumption into heaven, so it is perfect to read on this Solemnity.
Be sure to also check out Gracie Jagla’s podcast episode where she reads the book aloud.
Make a Cloudy Treat
This is my recipe for an easy and yummy ice box cake. This cake is especially great for the summer months because it does not require the use of the oven. It is also easy to adapt to your needs and preferences. You can use any fillings or toppings that you would like. For the Solemnity of the Assumption, we will be decorating the top with homemade, fluffy, white icing to resemble clouds. This will remind us of Mary’s glorious Assumption of body and soul right into heaven!
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
1 pint heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
18 whole graham crackers
1/2 cup strawberries (chopped)
1 cup blueberries
Mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, sliced banana, or any other toppings/filling you desire!
Supplies:
10x8x3 inch glass casserole dish
Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream until fluffy peaks form. (You can also do this with a hand blender with the whisk attachment). This takes about 15 minutes. I like to use a stand mixer so that this step is hands off. Then, I can wash, dry, and chop my berries at this time.
2. When the fluffy peaks are just starting to form, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until these are fully incorporated (about 1 more minute).
3. Lay out 6 graham crackers to cover the bottom of a 10 by 8 inch glass dish that is at least 3 inches deep. It’s ok if they overlap a little. Spread a layer of whipped cream (about ½ inch thick) over the graham crackers. Evenly sprinkle half of the berries over the whipped cream.
4. Repeat another layer of 6 graham crackers, whipped cream, and finish off the berries.
5. Add the last 6 graham crackers and cover them with a thick layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle some mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, or sliced bananas on top. I recommend white toppings to remind us of Mary’s purity!
6. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and enjoy!