Mass with Pope Leo on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Campus Life Update

On this day, the 15th of August, the Church commemorates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, into Heaven, who received a crown of immortal glory. Acknowledging Mary as the Mother of God, the Church grants the honor of hyperdulia, given to Mary alone, which places her hierarchically above all other saints and angels.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the greatest of all feasts celebrated in her honor, as it is the crowning of all the virtues of her entire life, as she is assumed into Heaven and crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. This day is marked as a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics, a day on which Catholics must attend Holy Mass.

“I saw the beautiful one as a dove rising up from the brooks of waters; in her garments was the most exquisite odor; and as in the days of spring, flowers of roses surrounded her and lilies of the valley.” (The Roman Breviary Reformed by Order of the Holy Oecumenical Council of Trent).

On this solemnity, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. Once again, CatholicTech’s community was blessed by and received the graces obtained in Holy Mass and the Angelus celebrated by the Successor of St. Peter. Members of CatholicTech even shook hands with the Pope as he walked by. CatholicTech’s students will surely never forget this joyous occasion.

Across from the Church of St. Thomas of Vilanova, local friends permitted a CatholicTech banner to be put up, welcoming Pope Leo as he returned to the summer Papal Palace a second time.

Earlier in the week, a member of CatholicTech traveled to London to explore its breathtaking churches and cathedrals, iconic landmarks, and world-class theatre. He attended not one, but three musicals—Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Great Gatsby—each an exquisite performance in its own right. While visiting churches, such as St. Patrick’s and Corpus Christi, the pews were filled with many vibrant, young Catholics attending Mass and adoration.

In a serendipitous moment, he stumbled upon Westminster Cathedral just as solemn vespers and benediction were beginning—an unexpectedly moving and angelic experience. The visit also included a stop at the National Gallery, walks past landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and a dive into local cuisine, including humble yet satisfying Tesco Express meals; he even tried the porridge. From its spiritual richness to its cultural treasures, London proved to be an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Closer to campus, students braved the summer heat to explore Rome’s Four Major Basilicas, while also indulging in their favorite Italian dishes and local sandwich shops. Some took the opportunity to visit Chiesa Santa Maria del Rosario in Prati, a stunning 20th-century neo-Gothic church. Its main altar features a gilded Gothic triptych, with a central image of Our Lady of the Rosary flanked by St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena. Overhead, the painted ceiling opens to a starry night sky, creating the impression of gazing into the heavens. CatholicTech is truly blessed to be near the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, with so many opportunities to grow in grace and virtue.

Stay tuned for next week’s travel adventures, and let us remember to pray to our greatest intercessor, Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, on this solemnity.