Assumption of Mary
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- This page concerns theological concept; for the many works of art on the subject, see Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
According to Roman Catholic doctrine and the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mary, the mother of Jesus) "having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory." (Pope Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus, November 1, 1950). This means that both Mary's soul and her physical body were transported into heaven. Mary's passage into heaven is called Assumptio Beatæ Mariæ Virginis (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) by Roman Catholics. This doctrine was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII on the 1st of November 1950.
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The significance of the Assumption in Roman Catholic teaching
In Ludwig Ott's Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma he states that "the fact of her death is almost generally accepted by the Fathers and Theologians, and is expressly affirmed in the Liturgy of the Church," to which he adduces a number of helpful citations, and concludes that "for Mary, death, in consequence of her freedom from original sin and from personal sin, was not a consequence of punishment of sin. However, it seems fitting that Mary's body, which was by nature mortal, should be, in conformity with that of her Divine Son, subject to the general law of death" (Bk. III, Pt. 3, Ch. 2, §6). The point of her bodily death has not been infallibly defined, and many believe that she did not die at all, but was Assumed directly into heaven. However, the same Apostolic Constitution which infallibly proclaims the doctrine of the Assumption, also non-infallibly teaches that Mary first died and was resurrected, prior to being assumed into Heaven.
The Assumption is important to many Christians as the Virgin Mary's heavenly birthday (the day that Mary was received into heaven). Her acceptance into the glory of heaven is seen by them as the symbol of the promise made by Jesus to all enduring Christians that they too will be received into paradise. The Assumption of Mary is symbolised in the Fleur-de-lys Madonna. Eksamle: (Black Madonna of Częstochowa).
The Feast of the Assumption is a Public Holiday in many countries, including Cameroon, France, Italy, and Spain. In Guatemala it is observed only in Guatemala City, of which she is the patron saint. In many places, religious parades, and popular festivals are held to celebrate this day. In Anglicanism and Lutheranism, the feast is kept, but without official use of the word 'Assumption'.
Assumption versus Dormition
The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15. The Eastern Orthodox Feast celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos with a 14-day fast prior to the Feast of the Assumption. The Dormition should not be confused with the Assumption: Eastern Orthodox, as well as many Catholics, believe that Mary died, and that she was later resurrected from the dead, before being assumed into Heaven. For Roman Catholics, the Assumption is an infallible teaching. The teaching that Mary died and was resurrected prior to her Assumption is taught in the same Apostolic Constitution that infallibly proclaims her Assumption, Munificentissimus Deus. But this teaching on Mary's death (Dormition) and resurrection was not proclaimed infallibly. Eastern (Roman) Catholics also observe the Dormition in addition to the Assumption.
Famous paintings
See also
- Fleur de lys
- Assumption Cathedral
- Dormition of the Theotokos
- Black Madonna of Częstochowade:Mariä Aufnahme in den Himmel
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