August 15: Today In Church History
On August 15, the Christian calendar commemorates significant events that highlight both historical milestones and deep spiritual insights. From the ancient celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which underscores the veneration of Mary in the Catholic tradition, to the founding of the Jesuit order by Ignatius of Loyola, each event reveals a facet of the Christian journey through history. This date also marks the laying of the foundation stone for the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a symbol of enduring faith and architectural grandeur, as well as the martyrdom of Franz Jägerstätter, whose stand against tyranny remains a poignant testament to individual conviction. Together, these occurrences offer a reflection on the diverse and profound impact of Christianity over the centuries.
1. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Traditional Date)
August 15 is traditionally celebrated in many Christian denominations, especially within the Catholic Church, as the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. According to Catholic belief, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. This doctrine was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950, though the feast itself has been celebrated since at least the 5th century.
2. 1248 – Laying the Foundation Stone of Cologne Cathedral
On August 15, 1248, the foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany was laid. The cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic churches in Northern Europe, took more than 600 years to complete, finally being finished in 1880. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. 1534 – Founding of the Society of Jesus
On this day in 1534, Ignatius of Loyola and six companions took vows of poverty and chastity in the chapel of Saint Denis in Montmartre, Paris, and committed themselves to a life of apostolic work, leading to the founding of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The Jesuits became one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church, particularly in education and missionary work.
4. 1917 – Death of Brother Lawrence
August 15 marks the death of Brother Lawrence, a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris, in 1691. He is remembered for his simple and profound spiritual teachings on practicing the presence of God in daily life, which have been widely read and appreciated by Christians of various traditions.
5. 1943 – Martyrdom of Franz Jägerstätter
On August 15, 1943, Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer and devout Catholic, was executed for his refusal to serve in the Nazi army during World War II. He was later beatified by the Catholic Church in 2007 for his courageous stand against the regime, becoming a symbol of conscientious objection.