Entry 4: The Feast of the Assumption
The homecoming mini-fest seems to always overshadow a more important event in our parish history, the feast of the Assumption. In fact, the homecoming takes place at this time of the year to coincide with the feast of the Assumption, which has been our patronal feast since the beginning of our parish in 1865. In the past, the feast was celebrated with a solemn High Mass in the morning followed by Rosary and Benediction or Benediction and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin in the evening. Some years the evening devotion was a Holy Hour and in the 1960’s there was a seven P. M. Mass. In 1954, all six south-side parishes joined St. Mary’s in a pilgrimage from Schiller Park to St. Mary’s church reciting the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. At the church, the Bishop spoke to his people on this occasion. The procession included a color guard of Catholic War Veterans, laity and altar boys of all six parishes and a statue of Mary. The following bulletin article, written by Father Burkley August 10, 1952, gives a little insight into the importance of the feast in our parish. “Friday, August 15, is the feast of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. On that day, we celebrate Our Lady’s victory over death. Because of her dignity as the Mother of God and because of her sinlessness, God did not allow Mary’s holy body, His temple, to decay in the grave. Instead, tradition, now Catholic doctrine, tells us He took her gloriously into heaven to be Queen of all angels and saints. On her feast we her parish in Columbus honor her and rejoice with her. Further, as her people, we dedicate ourselves to her service and ask her protection in return. Proof of our love for her is and certainly should be shown in our willingness to join in prayer to her for peace.” There was a novena for peace offered that year on the vigil of the feast.
