# St. Cajetan and the Solemnity of the Assumption
*2015-08-07*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Cajetan and the ancient feast of the Assumption of Mary, offering a brief history and a series of prayers for priests, the faithful, and the Virgin Mary.

## St. Cajetan: From Lawyer to Charitable Founder

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today, August 7th, we celebrate the feast of St. Cajetan (1480‑1557). He began as a wealthy attorney, but at age 36 he entered the priesthood and served in the Roman Curia. Turning away from a comfortable life, he devoted himself to helping the poor, a choice his family opposed. He later founded a charitable community in Naples that operated much like a credit union, offering low‑interest loans to those in need. One of his close friends became Pope Paul IV. We pray for all priests, religious, and laypeople who serve the Church in humble, thankless ways.

## The Ancient Feast of the Assumption

The solemnity of the Assumption of Mary has deep roots. In the Eastern Church, the feast of the Dormition (the “falling asleep” of the Virgin) dates back to the 5th century. The Western Church celebrated the Assumption in Rome by the end of the 7th century, and it quickly became one of the most important liturgical celebrations. By the 9th century it was observed in Milan. Early Christian art, such as the mosaics in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, depicts Mary being assumed into heaven and crowned beside her Son, the King of Kings. Pope Pius XII formally defined the Assumption as dogma in 1950, confirming what the faithful had long believed.

## Prayer of the Faithful

Let us pray together.

Almighty and Ever‑lasting God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we thank you for the gift of Mary, our Immaculate Mother. May we, like the saints, honor her Assumption and follow her example of humility and charity. We pray for all priests, brothers, sisters, and families who labor for the Church, especially those serving in the Roman Curia. Grant them perseverance and the grace to bear their thankless tasks.

We ask the Blessed Virgin to intercede for sinners, especially at the hour of death, and to guide us toward the hope of resurrection.

## The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried; descended into hell; on the third day rose again; ascended into heaven; sits at the right hand of the Father; He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Marian Prayers

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, look upon us with your tender gaze; hear our cries in this valley of tears, and grant us the mercy and strength we need to follow Christ.
Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, we entrust to you the poor, the suffering, and all who seek refuge in your loving care. May we, like the saints, be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

May we emulate St. Cajetan’s spirit of charity and devotion, and may the Assumption of Mary inspire us to live with hope, humility, and a longing for the heavenly kingdom.

*Let St. Cajetan’s generosity and Mary’s Assumption guide us to a deeper love for God and neighbor.*