On August 15, Catholics around the world are obligated to go to Mass. Why? To celebrate a woman leaving earth.
The Assumption of Mary is one of the four Marian Dogmas (along with Mother of God, Perpetual Virginity, and Immaculate Conception). It teaches that at the end of her earthly life, the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.
She didn't just "go to heaven" like other saints (whose souls go up while their bodies rot in the ground). She went up with her body. There is no grave for Mary. There are no relics of her bones. She is already enjoying what we all hope for at the end of time: The Resurrection of the Body.
Here is the deep theology behind this mystery—and the answer to the famous question: "Did she die?"
1. The History: Oldest Feast in the Book
Critics say the Assumption was "invented" by the Pope in 1950. False. While it was defined as a dogma in 1950, it has been celebrated since the early centuries of the Church. In the East, it is called the Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos. By the 6th Century, the Feast was universal. Ancient liturgies from the 4th century mention Mary entering heaven bodily. The rationale was simple: Jesus would not let the body of the woman who gave Him life suffer the corruption of the grave.
The Dogma (1950)
On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII exercised Papal Infallibility in the document Munificentissimus Deus. He declared:
"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."
Notice the phrasing: "Having completed the course of her earthly life." He didn't say "died." He didn't say "didn't die." He left it open.
2. The Big Question: Did She Die?
This is a hot debate among theologians. There are two main camps:
A. The Mortalists (She Died)
This is the more common tradition (including St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Paul II). The Argument: Mary is the perfect disciple of Jesus. Jesus died. Therefore, to be perfectly conformed to her Son, Mary also chose to undergo death—not as a punishment for sin (since she had no sin), but as a participation in His sacrifice. After she died, her body was in the tomb for a short time (some traditions say 3 days) before being resurrected and assumed.
B. The Immortalists (She Didn't Die)
This view gained traction after the definition of the Immaculate Conception (1854). The Argument: Death is the "wages of sin" (Romans 6:23). Since Mary had no Original Sin, she was not subject to the punishment of death. Therefore, she was assumed directly into heaven without dying. This is arguably what the Eastern term "Dormition" (Falling Asleep) implies.
The Verdict: You are free to believe either. The Church has not definitively ruled. Most Popes, however, have favored the "Mortalist" view—that she died, but her body did not decay.
3. The New Ark of the Covenant
The strongest biblical support for the Assumption is found in Typology (Old Testament foreshadowing). King David wrote in Psalm 132:
"Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might."
In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was the holiest object on earth because it contained the presence of God. It was made of "imperishable wood" (acacia) so it wouldn't rot. Mary is the New Ark. She carried the real presence of God (Jesus) in her womb. If the wooden box was protected from rot, how much more the woman who gave flesh to the Word of God? In Revelation 11:19, John sees God's temple in heaven open, and he sees "the ark of his covenant." What does he describe in the very next verse (Rev 12:1)?
"A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head."
The Ark is the Woman. The Woman is in Heaven (bodily).
4. Why Does It Matter for Us?
The Assumption is not just about Mary. It's about Hope. We live in a world that disrespects the body. We treat the body as a machine, a tool, or a toy. The Assumption shouts: The Body Matters. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. It is destined for glory. Mary is the "first fruits" of the harvest. Where she has gone, we hope to follow. She is the guarantee that Christ's promise of the "Resurrection of the Body" is real.
5. How to Celebrate
- Go to Mass: It is a Holy Day of Obligation (in most countries). Do not miss the party.
- Blessing of Herbs: There is an old tradition of blessing herbs and flowers on this day. (Legend says that when the Apostles opened Mary's tomb, they found flowers instead of a body).
- Procession: Many cultures have massive processions carrying a statue of Mary "sleeping" or ascending.
Conclusion: "Queen Assumed into Heaven"
The Assumption is the crowning moment of Mary's life. The humble girl from Nazareth who said "Yes" to God is now exalted above the angels. But she hasn't left us. She is more present to us now as Queen of Heaven than she could ever be on earth. She is the "Sign of Hope" for the pilgrim people of God.
Prayer for the Assumption:
"Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taken up the body and soul of the immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Thy Son, into heavenly glory: Grant, we beseech Thee, that, always intent upon heavenly things, we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory."
Look up. Your Mother is waiting. Find Assumption Mass times on the MyPrayerTower app.