Assumption of Mary

The rector solemnly read the “vow of Louis XIII,” by which the king of France officially consecrated the country to the Virgin Mary in 1638.

“Today we want to entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven, our prayer for peace,” the pope said.

As ancient as this belief in Mary’s assumption is, 2025 marks only the 75th anniversary of the Assumption being declared a Catholic dogma.

“We continue to believe that even in the darkest hour, a light can still shine — the light of the Gospel, of justice, and of fraternity.”