When asked about feast days celebrated in August, Catholics will likely point to the well-known solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15. But there are other lesser known Marian feasts celebrated this month that are worth discovering. In addition, August marks the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Celebrating Mary’s Immaculate Heart in August
Is the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary a holy day of obligation this year? The answer this year is YES because the solemnity falls on a Thursday. A further explanation follows.
“Whenever January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, or August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. – USCCB, Canon 1246, §2 – Holy Days of Obligation
Find Mass times at a parish near you
In the Catholic Church, each month of the year is dedicated to a particular devotion – in August it’s the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Learn about 10 Ways to Celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary in August (Aleteia)
In addition to the Assumption of Mary, other feast days devoted to Mary in August include Our Lady of the Angels on Aug. 2, Our Lady of the Snows on Aug. 5 and more.
Read about additional Marian feast days in August (Our Sunday Visitor)
USCCB’s 2024 liturgical calendar
Prayer for the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus – August 6
August also includes the feast of our Lord’s transfiguration, the miracle that revealed to Jesus’ apostles present there – Peter, James, and John, His heavenly glory, and a source of encouragement for all Christians:
“Christ’s transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent on to the ‘high mountain’ prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what his Body contains and radiates in the sacraments: ‘the hope of glory.'” (CCC 568)
Read more about the Transfiguration of Jesus from:
Pope Francis – March 2023 Angelus
Franciscan Media
Aleteia
Loyola Press – Sunday connection
Daily Scripture readings (USCCB)
