Here we continue our series on the history, and reason for the placement of each month's major feast days.

The Feast of the Transfiguration: Its Evolution in Catholic History and Its August Placement

In the rich tapestry of Catholic liturgical celebrations, the Feast of the Transfiguration holds a special place. Celebrated on August 6th, this feast commemorates the moment when Jesus, atop Mount Tabor, unveiled His divine glory to three of His apostles. But how did this event come to be celebrated in August, and what has been its trajectory within the Catholic Church? Join us on this historical exploration of the Feast of the Transfiguration.

1. The Biblical Account

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke provide the foundational narrative of the Transfiguration. In these accounts, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a high mountain (traditionally identified as Mount Tabor). Here, before their very eyes, He transfigures, radiating ethereal light, and is joined by Moses and Elijah. This divine manifestation, accompanied by a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son, underscores His unique position in the continuum of salvation history.

2. Early Observance in the Christian East

The first recorded liturgical celebration of the Transfiguration can be traced back to the Christian East. By the late 4th and early 5th centuries, churches in modern-day Turkey and Syria began to mark this event. Its theological significance—showcasing both the human and divine natures of Christ—made it a poignant observance for early Christian communities.

3. Expansion to the Western Church

While the Feast of the Transfiguration had roots in the Eastern Church, it took time to establish a foothold in the West. The expansion was gradual, with pockets of localized observances. By the 9th century, however, it began to gain wider acceptance, culminating in the 15th century when Pope Callixtus III officially introduced the feast to the Roman Catholic liturgy.

4. Placement in August: The Historical Backdrop

The decision to mark the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6th is historically significant. Pope Callixtus III chose this date in 1456 to commemorate the Christian victory over the Ottomans at the Siege of Belgrade. The Pope saw a symbolic connection between this military triumph and the illuminating power of Christ's Transfiguration, both signifying light overcoming darkness. Over time, the political context faded, but the date remained, allowing the theological depth of the Transfiguration to shine forth in its fullness.

5. The Transfiguration's Theological and Liturgical Resonance

The Feast of the Transfiguration, placed between the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15th) and the feast celebrating the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14th), creates a profound theological continuum. These events, together, encapsulate the mystery of Christ's life, His divine mission, and the promise of salvation.

Many speculate, that the month of August was chosen because of its name. While primarily the month was named after Emperor Augustus, the adjective august, coming from Latin, could also refer to Mary's impressive grandeur and dignity. In the liturgical calendar, its August placement serves as a beacon of hope and reflection, situated amidst the lengthy Ordinary Time. It breaks the routine, offering believers a moment to meditate on the radiant glory of Christ and the ultimate promise of transformation for all who believe.

Conclusion

The Feast of the Transfiguration, with its rich historical and theological underpinnings, invites the faithful to transcend the mundane and catch a glimpse of the eternal. Its placement in August, while historically rooted in a moment of temporal victory, has evolved to signify a spiritual triumph—a testament to the transformative power of divine love. As Catholics around the world celebrate this feast, they are reminded of their own calling to be bearers of light in a world that often grapples with shadows.