Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will celebrate a Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 149 North Warren Street, Trenton. The Solemnity is a feast day commemorating Mary’s body and soul being assumed into heaven. The Mass in the Cathedral is open to the public. All are welcome to attend.

The Bishop cited the reasons that this feast day is particularly poignant for the Diocese of Trenton and the entire Church in his annual teaching on the Assumption.  An excerpt of that teaching follows:

In the Diocese of Trenton, Mary Queen of the Assumption is our diocesan patroness and the name of our Cathedral.  Permit me, please, to share some reflections about this solemn feast with you. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Lord Jesus Christ and, as such, possesses the title and identity of “Mother of God.” 

Throughout the history of the Church, Mary has enjoyed a singular place of honor and pre-eminence among the Communion of Saints. Chosen by God to be the mother of his only begotten Son, Mary was “immaculately conceived,” that is conceived in the womb of her own mother without the stain of original sin and “full of grace,” as the Angel Gabriel announced when she, in turn, conceived the Lord Jesus (Luke 1:28). 

Similarly, because of her unique and privileged relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ, she was assumed body and soul into heaven when her life on earth was ended. These two intimately related convictions of faith definitively proclaimed and held by the Church – the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption – understandably merit special recognition and observance by the Church, December 8 and August 15 respectively. 

To read the full text of Bishop O’Connell’s teaching, click HERE.  ALSO AVAILABLE …. a podcast on the Assumption of Mary recorded by the Bishop.

Bishop O’Connell has announced the following clergy appointments, effective immediately:

Very Rev. Michael Wallack, VF, to dean (or vicar forane) of the Southern Mercer Deanery, while continuing as pastor of St. John Parish, Allentown.

Rev. R.J. Ballacillo, to Respect Life chaplain for Mercer County, while continuing as parochial vicar, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton.