4 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Assumption of Mary

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated each year on August 15th. On this holy day of obligation, we celebrate Mary's body and soul being lifted up to heaven. This assumption into heaven acknowledges the role she played in bearing Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate this holy day, we're sharing 4 simple activities to celebrate this special day! 

1. Attend Mass

Start your day by attending mass! Join in the celebration of this holy day as we commemorate Mary's body and soul being lifted into heaven. It's a special time to connect with your faith and show your love for Mary.




2. Make a cloud pillow

A beautiful way to acknowledge Mary's assumption into heaven is by creating a heavenly environment in your home. One way to do so is by making a cloud pillow! You can make the cloud pillow by using fabric (use any fabric you have at home, or go to the local store to buy some), OR you can make a "learn to sew" project using butcher paper instead. Follow the instructions below to make it!

Supplies needed:

  • White butcher paper
  • Hole punch
  • Yarn
  • Yarn needle
  • Stuffing

Trace a cloud shape on the white butcher paper, and cut it out. Next, punch holes (about an inch apart) around the edges. Using a yarn needle, thread the yarn through each hole until you only have a few inches of yarn left. Fill the cloud with stuffing, then finish sewing the remainder of the cloud. Tie the yarn and ta-da! Your cloud pillow project is complete!



3. Plant an herb garden

The feast of the Assumption is linked with a harvest festival, where herbs are blessed and celebrated for their healing properties. A few of our favorite herbs to plant (and also remind us of Mary) include: Rosemary (Mary's Bouquet), Spearmint (Mary's Mint) and Sage (Mary's Shawl). 


Find a spot in your garden to plant some herbs in honor of Mary - You can also grow herbs indoors, if space allows. 

To learn more about planting a Marian Garden, click here

4. Make an Assumpta Salad 

Did you know that there is a book called Twelve Months of Monastery Salads? “Eating seasonally” takes on a whole new meaning when you eat for both the liturgical and natural seasons! This Assumpta Salad recipe, from Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette, makes the perfect appetizer salad for tomato-lovers everywhere. 
 
Salad

8 medium-size ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup pitted black olives, drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 cup cubed feta cheese

Vinaigrette
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
5 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced Salt and freshly ground pepper 

Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until thickened. Let stand for about 1 hour before using to steep the garlic. For the salad, arrange tomato slices on 6 to 8 salad plates. Sprinkle the onion and olives among them. Sprinkle the herbs evenly, then add the cheese cubes in the middle of each dish. Whisk vinaigrette just before serving and drizzle evenly over each plate. Serve immediately.

Let us rejoice in reflecting on Mary's divine presence today as we celebrate the assumption!

 

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