Archbishop Lori celebrates Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Archbishop William E. Lori celebrated Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Aug. 15. Following the Mass, the faithful were treated to a light lunch as members of the Neocatechumenal Way sang songs of praise on the lawn of the basilica.

The feast holds special significance for the Baltimore basilica. According to Monsignor Arthur Valenzano, the basilica’s rector, Archbishop John Carroll blessed the cornerstone of the church in 1806 under the title of Jesus and Mary. Archbishop Ambrose Marechal conferred the title “Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary” at the dedication in 1821.