Introduction

The Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on the evening of August 14th, prepares the faithful to enter one of the Church’s most joyful Marian feasts. This solemnity proclaims the Church’s belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory — a mystery that reflects her unique role in salvation history as the Mother of God and her freedom from original sin.

The term “assumption” comes from the Latin assumptio, meaning “taking up,” and expresses the Church’s teaching that Mary was assumed into heaven by the power of God. Her Assumption prefigures the resurrection of the body and the eternal destiny promised to all the faithful in Christ.

There are two Old Testament examples of others being assumed into heaven: Enoch in Genesis 5:24 and Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11. Hebrew tradition also holds that Moses was assumed into God’s presence (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).

A vigil (from the Latin vigilia, meaning “watch” or “wakefulness”) is a liturgical anticipation of the next day’s feast. Rooted in ancient Christian tradition, vigils move the Church from waiting to celebration through special readings and prayers.

Not every solemnity has its own vigil liturgy; a separate vigil is assigned when the theological or historical significance of the feast invites deeper reflection through complementary scriptural themes.

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