The Assumption of Mary

Meditation

At the end of her earthly life, Mary is taken body and soul into the glory of heaven. This special privilege granted to the Mother of God affirms the dignity of the human body and anticipates the resurrection promised to all believers. Unlike ordinary Christians who await the resurrection of the body at the end of time, Mary already experiences the fullness of redemption in both body and soul.

Mary's assumption is a fitting reward for her who gave her flesh to the Son of God and whose body remained untouched by the corruption of sin. As Christ ascended to heaven by His own power, Mary is assumed into heaven by God's power—the final gift of grace to her who was "full of grace" from the moment of her conception.

This mystery offers hope to all Christians. What has happened to Mary will one day happen to us, though in a different manner. Her assumption reminds us that we are destined for glory—that our bodies, too, will be transformed and united with our souls in heaven. Mary now stands as a sign of the destiny that awaits the entire Church.

Church Teaching on the Assumption

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus:

"We pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: 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."

This formal definition confirmed what had been believed by Christians for centuries. While Scripture does not explicitly describe Mary's assumption, the Church understands this truth through Sacred Tradition, guided by the Holy Spirit who leads the Church "into all truth" (John 16:13).

Reflection Questions

• How does Mary's assumption strengthen my hope in the resurrection of the body?
• In what ways does this mystery help me to respect my own body and the bodies of others as temples of the Holy Spirit?
• How can Mary's complete glorification inspire me to seek holiness in my daily life?
• What comfort does the Assumption offer regarding deceased loved ones?
• How might contemplating Mary in heaven encourage me in my spiritual journey on earth?

Prayer

O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, you who were assumed body and soul into heavenly glory, we rejoice in your complete participation in your Son's victory over sin and death. Your assumption reminds us of the dignity of our own bodies and the glorious destiny that awaits us. Help us to live in a way that honors the temple of the Holy Spirit that is our body. Pray for us, that we may persevere in grace until death and join you in the fullness of life with the Blessed Trinity. As we face the trials of this life, may we keep our eyes fixed on heaven, our true home, where you now intercede for us. Grant us the grace of a happy death and the joy of resurrection on the last day. Amen.

Art and Tradition

The Assumption has been a favorite subject in Christian art for centuries. Artists typically depict Mary rising toward heaven, sometimes carried by angels, with the apostles gathered around her empty tomb below. Often Mary is shown in a mandorla (almond-shaped aureole) signifying her heavenly glory, with her arms raised in a gesture of prayer or welcome.

The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15 and is a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries. This feast has ancient origins, being celebrated as the "Dormition" or "Falling Asleep" of Mary in Eastern Churches since at least the 5th century. In some cultures, this feast is accompanied by blessings of herbs, fruits, and flowers, symbolizing the fruitfulness of Mary's life and the paradise to which she has been assumed.

A tradition holds that when Thomas the Apostle arrived late to Mary's burial and asked to see her body, her tomb was found empty except for flowers and a sweet fragrance, confirming her assumption into heaven.