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What happens when the solemnity of the Assumption falls on a Monday?

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Credit: AFP

In this file photo taken on July 20, 2021, view of the inside decoration of the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral in Tlaxcala, Mexico. - The Franciscan Ensemble of the Monastery and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Tlaxcala was placed in the 2021 list of world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Heritage Committee during its 44th session, taking place in Fuzhou, China from July 16 to 31, 2021. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP)

Whenever the solemnity of Mary's Assumption into Heaven falls on a Monday, it is no longer a holy day of obligation in the United States.

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Every year the Catholic Church honors the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven on August 15. For many Roman Catholics, it is a holy day of obligation.

However, local bishops have the power to suppress the obligation if there is a pastoral need.

For example, on December 13, 1991, the USCCB made the following general decree concerning holy days of obligation for Latin Rite Catholics:

This means that there is no obligation in the United States to attend Mass if the solemnity of the Assumption falls on a Monday. Other countries may have different dispensations, and it is possible that August 15 remains a holy day of obligation. It is important to consult your local parish priest, especially if you live outside of the United States.

At the same time, this does not mean that the Assumption is no longer celebrated. Many parishes will still have one or two Masses on August 15 to celebrate the solemnity, though Catholics are not obliged to attend.