Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Pilgrims Honor the Assumption in France as Notre-Dame Welcomes Millions

Pilgrims at nearly 2,900 sanctuaries reaffirm Louis XIII’s vow in a celebration amplified by record visits to the restored Paris cathedral

Image
Le 15 août, les protestants ne fêtent pas l'Assomption de la Vierge Marie
«Le 15 août» est une fête religieuse aussi importante pour les catholiques.
Image

Overview

  • France’s 15 August processions trace back to King Louis XIII’s 1638 act consecrating the kingdom to the Virgin Mary as protector of the realm.
  • Mary’s Assumption was defined as a Catholic dogma by Pope Pius XII on 1 November 1950 after a global episcopal consultation that yielded roughly 90% approval.
  • Some 2,900 active Marian sanctuaries in France sustain popular devotion, alongside international pilgrimage sites such as Lourdes, Fátima and Medjugorje.
  • Eastern Orthodox communities commemorate a related Dormition feast on 15 or 28 August, whereas most Protestant denominations abstain under the principle of Sola Scriptura.
  • Since its post-fire reopening in December, Notre-Dame de Paris has hosted seven million visitors, underscoring the feast’s cultural and touristic resonance.