August 9, 2026

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

by Fr. Jonah, O.P.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’ll be getting back today after completing The Hillbilly Thomists’ concert tour. It’ll be good to be back! 

This Saturday the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church’s teaching on the Assumption is articulated in Pope Pius XII’s apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus. At the heart of the dogma is this: “the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” (Munificentissimus Deus, 44).

Typically, the Assumption is a holy day of obligation, but since it falls on a Saturday this year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has lifted the obligation. Nevertheless, I still strongly encourage you all to attend Mass on Saturday.

Please know of my prayers for all of you. 

In Christ,

Fr. Jonah, O.P.