The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption celebrates the belief that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. The feast has ancient roots in Eastern Christian celebrations of the Dormition of the Theotokos and gradually developed in the West. It reflects the Church’s meditation on Mary as the first and fullest disciple of Christ, preserved by grace and sharing in her Son’s victory.

Pope Pius XII solemnly defined the dogma of the Assumption in 1950 in Munificentissimus Deus, after centuries of devotion and theological reflection. Coming only five years after World War II, the definition proclaimed hope for the human body and destiny at a time marked by death and destruction. Mary’s Assumption shows the Church what redeemed humanity is meant to become in Christ.

Prayer: Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us that we may live in hope and follow your Son to eternal life. Amen.