Ottawa, August 15, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to mark the celebration of Assumption Day:
“Today, Christians around the world will celebrate Assumption Day. Also known as the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, it is believed that on this day the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, ascended directly into Heaven following her death.
“In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven as a defined dogma of the Catholic Church. He declared ‘that 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.’
“In Canada, several other denominations of Christian churches will also commemorate this day. In Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, this belief is also known as the Dormition of the Theotokos, which means the sleeping of the ‘God-bearer.’ The Anglican Church of Canada refers to it as the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lutherans refer to this day as ‘the feast of Mary, mother of our Lord.’
“For all Canadians, today provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions of Canada’s diverse Christian community to our country’s rich heritage.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I want to wish you and your family a blessed feast day.”
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
