Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15, 2016

On November 1, 1950, in the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption of Mary a dogma of the Catholic Church. The doctrine of the Assumption solemnly states that at the end of her earthly life Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven. Contrary to popular perception, Our Lady did not "ascend" into heaven. Only Christ ascended into heaven under his own power. Mary was taken up into heaven by God. In celebrating her most glorious Assumption, we ask Mary to help us live with faith and hope, seeking God's will in all things. May she enlighten our minds on the destiny that awaits us, the dignity of every person, and God’s immense love for humanity.

Giving birth to the Savior O Theotokos, you kept and preserved your virginity; and in falling-asleep you have not forsaken the world; for you were protected from sin, being the Mother of Life. Almighty ever-living God, who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant we pray, that, always attentive to the things that are above, we may merit to be sharers of her glory in experiencing eternal Beatitude. Amen.