On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which the Church celebrates every year on August 15. Simply put, the dogma of the Assumption states that at the end of her life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken, body and soul, into Heaven. While this event isn’t reflected in Sacred Scripture, it is clearly part of the Church’s earliest observance.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church doesn’t answer this question states, “The most blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven” (no. 974). The Solemnity of the Assumption reminds us of the unique role that Mary served in the process of our salvation. Although she was without sin, we have the possibility of receiving God’s forgiveness for our sins through Christ. Her entry into Heaven prefigures our own hope of experiencing the same eternal life.
Background
This solemnity was first called the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Later, its name in the East carried over: the Dormition (or Falling Asleep) of Mary. In the West, it became known as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This holy day celebrates the fact that Mary’s Assumption is “a pledge of the future participation of the members of the mystical Body of Christ in the paschal glory of the Risen Christ.” It shows that the Lord “reserves a munificent reward for his humble Servant because of her faithful cooperation with the divine plan, which is a destiny of fullness, happiness, glorification of her immaculate soul, her virginal body, perfect configuration to her Risen Son” (Directory, no. 180).
Holy Day of Obligation
“Whenever January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, or August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. – USCCB, Canon 1246, §2 – Holy Days of Obligation
Because the Assumption falls on a Friday this year, Catholics are obligated to attend Mass in addition to their regular Sunday obligation.
Additional resources
Scripture readings for August 15 (USCCB)
Prayer for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
