The Assumption of Mary
Feast day: August 15
Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven by God, the hope of our own resurrection (15/08)
What does this feast celebrate?
On 15 August, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. When Mary finished her life on earth, God did not let her body decay, but took her up to heaven body and soul, so that she could be with her Son, Jesus, in glory.
The story
All her life, Mary stayed close to Jesus. In Nazareth, she said “yes” to becoming the Mother of the Savior (cf. Lk 1:38). She gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, raised him and taught him. When Jesus was crucified, she bravely stood at the foot of the cross (cf. Jn 19:25-27). After Jesus rose and went up to heaven, she prayed with the Apostles, waiting for the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14).
When she visited Elizabeth, Mary sang God’s praises: “henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Lk 1:48). Today, every time we celebrate this feast, we do exactly what those words say.
The Bible does not tell how Mary’s life on earth ended. But from very early times, Christians have believed that she was taken up to heaven. Eastern Christians call this feast “the Dormition of the Mother of God,” which means her falling asleep. On 1 November 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly declared: Mary, the Mother of God, ever virgin and immaculate, having completed the course of her earthly life, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. This is a dogma, a truth of faith that all Catholics believe.
Why is this feast important?
Jesus rose from the dead and promised that those who believe in him and follow him will also rise. Mary, who was saved by God in the most perfect way, already shares in that glory, right after Jesus himself. Looking at her, we have hope: on the last day, our bodies too will rise. Mary in heaven is not far from us; she still loves and prays for her children.
A lesson for you
- Respect your own body and other people’s: take care of your health, dress modestly, and never hurt anyone.
- When you are sad or something is hard, remember that your true home is heaven, where Mary is waiting.
- Pray a decade of the Rosary, asking Mary to lead you on the way home to the Father.
Identifying marks
- Mary rising above a cloud, her arms open, her eyes looking up to heaven: she was taken up to heaven body and soul, rejoicing to see her Son again.
- Little angels lifting the cloud: a picture of the court of heaven joyfully welcoming her.
- A white dress and a blue mantle: white speaks of purity, and blue is Mary’s familiar color.
- An empty tomb full of flowers (*): according to tradition, when the apostles opened Mary’s tomb, they found only flowers.
(*) Only in some pictures and statues.
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