The Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven – Crown of Glory
The Assumption of Our Lady is celebrated annually on August 15th. This feast commemorates two events – the departure of Mary from this life and the assumption of her body with soul into heaven.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a very important day in the Catholic religion – it is even called the ‘Easter of the summer’ in some parts of Europe.
The Assumption of Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. Pope Pius XII defined it in 1950 .It is preceded by a long tradition that is old as Christianity itself.
As this is a religious holiday, the Assumption is most commonly celebrated by devotees by attending mass, where the subject of the sermon is usually the Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and Catholics are required to attend Mass.
In Croatia, Velika Gospa is a national holiday that celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In celebration, believers make a pilgrimage to many of Mary’s shrines throughout Croatia.
This holiday is celebrated in a large number of countries, most notably in Europe and South America. Many processions and festivals are held.In Croatian cities, Velika Gospa is celebrated by:
Pilgrimages to Mary’s shrines; Holy masses and Praying the rosary.
Notable Mary’s shrines in Croatia are in Sinj (Middle Dalmatia), Rijeka (Kvarner Region), Marija Bistrica ( Central Croatia), Loret (Zadar region), Aljmaš ( Baranja Region), Remete (Zagreb), Zečeva (Nin in Middle Dalmatia),Proložac ( Middle Dalmatia). One of the largest celebrations of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary take places every year in Sinj.
Let us celebrate Feast of Assumption.
On the occasion of Feast of Assumption, we should promise to do the right deeds, follow the spiritual path and have a great and inspirational life. May the love of Mother Mary always impart you strength to face challenges of life with greatness..
Photos: Dalmacija Danas; Ferata
Marijana Rebic 
