The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Notes

• Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
• Dogmatic Proclamation: Defined as a dogma of the Catholic Church by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950, in the Encyclical Munificentissimus Deus.
• Theological Importance: Reflects the belief in Mary's special participation in her Son's Resurrection and her purity as being free from sin.
• Preservation from Corruption: Catholic teaching holds that because Mary was free from original sin (Immaculate Conception), she was also preserved from the corruption of the grave, a grace granted to her due to her unique role as the Mother of God.
• Development of the Doctrine: The belief in Mary's Assumption dates back to the early centuries of the Church. While it was part of the Church's Tradition for many centuries, it wasn't defined as a dogma until 1950. The proclamation was made during a time of global unrest (post-World War II), symbolizing hope and the ultimate victory of good over evil.