The Assumption of Mary
What is the Assumption?
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up—body and soul—into the glory of heaven. Unlike ordinary death, her body did not undergo corruption, but was glorified by God. This teaching affirms Mary’s special role in salvation history and the promise of eternal life for all who follow Christ.
The doctrine was formally defined by Pope Pius XII in Munificentissimus Deus (1950), but Christians had celebrated this mystery since the early centuries.
How Did It Happen?
The Church teaches that God, by a singular grace, brought Mary into heavenly glory at the close of her life. Unlike Christ’s Ascension, which He accomplished by His own power, Mary’s Assumption was a gift from God. The exact manner—whether she died first or was preserved from death—is not definitively declared, but the tradition holds that she "fell asleep" (the Dormition) and was then assumed.
Biblical Foundations
Although Scripture does not explicitly describe the Assumption, the Church sees biblical images and passages that foreshadow it:
- Mary as the Ark of the Covenant
- “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple…” (Revelation 11:19).
- Immediately after this, John describes “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1).
- The Church interprets this woman as Mary, seen in heavenly glory, closely linked to the Ark—the vessel of God’s presence.
- Psalm 132:8
- “Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.”
- Early Christians applied this to Mary, the living Ark who bore Christ, the Word made flesh.
- Mary’s Participation in Christ’s Victory
- “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive… Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:22–23).
- Mary, being the first and most faithful disciple, shares uniquely in her Son’s resurrection.
Meaning for Christians Today
The Assumption is not only about Mary but also about our destiny. It points us toward the resurrection of the body and eternal life with God. Mary’s Assumption is a sign of hope: what God has done for her, He also promises for all who remain faithful.
Conclusion
The Assumption of Mary reveals God’s power, love, and the destiny awaiting His people. Rooted in Scripture, preserved in Tradition, and celebrated by the Church, it reminds us that heaven is our true home. As we contemplate Mary in glory, we are encouraged to live in faith and trust in Christ’s promise of eternal life.
