The Assumption is the dogma that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. Catholic teaching holds that Mary died, but her body was preserved from decay and glorified, anticipating the general resurrection.
The Catechism states: “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven” (CCC 966).
On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption in Munificentissimus Deus: “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.”
Enoch was taken up without seeing death (Genesis 5:24). Elijah was swept to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). The woman in Revelation 12—clothed with the sun, crowned with stars—symbolizes Mary in heavenly glory.
The Assumption reveals the dignity of the human body and our destiny for glory. Mary, as the Ark of the New Covenant who gave flesh to the Word, is uniquely honored. Her assumption gives us confidence in our own hope of heaven.
August 15 is a Holy Day of Obligation. The feast dates to the fifth century in the East. Traditions include the blessing of herbs and flowers and processions in Mary’s honor.
Honor the Assumption by attending Daily Mass and asking for Mary’s intercession.
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