August 15th is an important holiday for Catholics. Do you have to go to church?

August 15th is the day of two holidays. The first is Polish Army Day. On that day, a parade will pass along Wisłostrada Street in Warsaw. Spectators will be able to see tanks and airplanes, among other things. On August 15th, the Catholic faithful celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is also traditionally known as the Day of Our Lady of the Herbs.

On August 15th, solemn celebrations are being held in various parts of Poland. The main events are taking place primarily at Jasna Góra, Kalwaria Pacławska, and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, as well as at other Marian sanctuaries. The indulgence Mass, which will be celebrated at Jasna Góra Summit at 11:00 AM, will be presided over by the President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, SAC.

August 15th, what holiday is this? The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of the Herbs.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important and oldest Marian feasts. Every Catholic must go to church on August 15th. Otherwise, they commit a grave sin. The feast was celebrated as early as the 5th century to commemorate the dogma of faith: the assumption into heaven, body and soul, of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950 in the apostolic constitution "The Most Generous God." Bishops and faithful from around the world, including Poland, urged this.

Previously, it was believed that Mary was assumed into heaven, hence the numerous churches dedicated to her. For centuries, debates have raged over whether Mary died or simply fell asleep and was assumed into heaven. The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also known by the folk name of Our Lady of the Herbs. On August 15th, the faithful bring flowers and herbs to churches, which are then blessed. This is also a particularly important holiday in the farmers' calendar. On this day, they have the opportunity to give thanks for the harvest.