The Diocese of Grand Rapids marked the feast of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 15 with observation and call to Mass shared on social media.

"Happy feast day to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic School and Our Lady of the Assumption in Rothbury!" the diocese shared on Facebook. "Although not a holy day of obligation this year, Mass attendance is still encouraged as the best way to observe the solemnity."

The feast of the Assumption is celebrated yearly on Aug. 15, one of several feast days throughout the year dedicated to the mother of Jesus; the Marians list 18, including the entire month of May. 

Catholics celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary every year on Aug. 15. | Archdiocese of Milwaukee/Facebook

Other notable feast days include the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1; the Annunciation on March 25; the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13; the Visitation on May 31; and the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. The Assumption of Mary commemorates the day when the living Mary ascended to Heaven.

"The dogma of the Assumption teaches that at the end of her time on earth, Mary was taken up—body and soul—into heaven," the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology writes. "There, she sits at her Son’s right hand, as Queen of Heaven and Earth."

Catholicism teaches that Mary is unique among saints because she was both a fallible human and the mother of Jesus. Her acceptance of God's will was crucial to fulfilling God's plan of salvation, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

"Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth," the USCCB writes. "At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam she is one with all those who are to be saved."

Pope Francis shared his thoughts on Mary's influence in a tweet. 

"Looking at the Mother of God in glory," the Pope wrote, "we understand that true power is service, that to reign means to love, and that this is the road to Heaven."