The Assumption of Mary

Introduction

The Assumption of Mary is a profound celebration of faith, hope, and the divine promise fulfilled. This sacred moment marks the extraordinary grace bestowed upon Mary, as she is lifted body and soul into the glory of heaven.

Through her Assumption, Mary embodies the beauty of unwavering trust in God's plan and offers us a glimpse of the eternal joy that awaits all who walk in faith.

In this space, we invite you to reflect on the significance of Mary's Assumption and its message of hope and transformation.

Join us as we explore this cherished belief, drawing from the depth of scripture and tradition to celebrate the Queen of Heaven and her role in our journey toward God's everlasting kingdom.

The Assumption of Mary

In the unfolding story of divine grace, Mary stands as a radiant symbol of faith and devotion.

Her journey, marked by unwavering trust in God's plan, reaches its fulfillment in her glorious Assumption.

Her life reflects a profound beauty—a heart open to God, a spirit steadfast in the face of life's storms, and a soul destined for eternal joy.

As she is lifted into heaven, body and soul, Mary’s Assumption reveals the splendor of God's promise.

She becomes a beacon of hope, reminding us that heaven is our ultimate home. Her glory is adorned with the imagery of light and majesty, like a queen welcomed into a royal embrace, her presence resounding with joy and the harmony of heavenly praise.

Mary’s Assumption is a call to all of us, an invitation to live with the same trust and humility that she exemplified.

Through her life and glorification, she offers us a glimpse of the eternal life that awaits those who walk in faith. She is a reflection of God's love, a reminder that we, too, are called to a grace-filled destiny.

The Scriptural Rosary

'Come then, my love, my lovely one, come.' Song 2:10
'For see, winter is past, the rains are over and gone.' Song 2:11
'Show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is beautiful.' Song 2:14
And the sanctuary of God in heaven opened. Then came flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. Rev 11:19
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun. Rev 12:1
She was standing on the moon, with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. Rev 12:1
With jewels set in gold, and dressed in brocades, the king's daughter is led in to the king. Psalm 45:13, 14
May you be blessed, my daughter, by God Most High, beyond all women on earth. Judith 13:23
The trust you have shown shall not pass from the memories of men, but shall ever remind them of the power of God. Judith 13:25
You are the glory of Jerusalem! You are the great pride of Israel! You are the highest honor of our people! Judith 15:10

With permission from The Scriptural Rosary book written by Joanne & John Bolger
Published and permission from Christianica (America) Center

What do others believe

While the Assumption of Mary is a central belief in the Catholic Church, other Christian traditions view it differently. For Catholics, the Assumption celebrates Mary being taken into heaven, body and soul, as a sign of her unique role in God’s plan and the hope of eternal life for all believers. It’s even considered an official teaching, or dogma, of the Catholic faith.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, there is a similar belief called the Dormition of Mary, which means the “Falling Asleep of the Mother of God.” In this tradition, Mary’s life on Earth ends peacefully, and she is taken into heaven. However, it focuses more on her spiritual transition than the physical Assumption as Catholics describe it.

Protestant churches, on the other hand, often don’t emphasize this belief. They rely more strictly on what is written in the Bible, and since the Assumption isn’t explicitly mentioned in scripture, it isn’t a formal teaching for most Protestants. However, some Protestants still honor Mary as an important figure in Christian faith.

This range of beliefs shows how different Christian traditions interpret Mary’s role and destiny, while all recognize her as a significant and honored part of the story of salvation.

Mary's Life After Jesus: A Journey of Faith and Grace

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Mary, His mother, continued to live a life of faith and devotion.

According to scripture, Jesus entrusted her to the care of the disciple John, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to John, "Here is your mother" (John 19:26-27).

From that moment, John took Mary into his home, ensuring she was lovingly cared for in her remaining years.

Tradition holds that Mary lived with John in Ephesus, a city that became an important center of early Christianity.

Here, she is believed to have supported the growing Christian community with her wisdom and presence.

As the mother of Jesus, she likely served as a source of inspiration and a living connection to His earthly life, sharing her profound experiences of faith and grace.

Over time, Mary’s life became a reflection of her son’s teachings—a life marked by humility, prayer, and quiet service.

While scripture does not offer detailed accounts of her later years, her role as a mother to all believers has been deeply cherished in Christian tradition. Her Assumption into heaven represents the culmination of this life of devotion, as she is believed to have been taken body and soul to the glory of God.

The Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption is a cherished celebration of faith and devotion, and for me, it brings to mind my own experiences visiting some of the most profound Marian pilgrimage sites. Although my journeys to Fatima, Lourdes, and Garabandal didn’t coincide with the Feast itself, they left me with a deep connection to Mary and the sacredness of these places.

In Fatima, I walked the grounds of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, where the stories of Mary’s apparitions to the three shepherd children came to life. The atmosphere was one of peace and reflection. Watching the flicker of candles in the evening procession, I felt a profound sense of Mary’s presence and her call to prayer and conversion.

At Lourdes, the Grotto where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette moved me deeply. Seeing pilgrims from all over the world, some seeking healing and others simply offering their prayers, was a humbling experience. Joining in the candlelit procession under the starry sky was a reminder of hope and the light Mary brings into our lives, much like the promise of the Assumption of Mary into heaven.

San Sebastian de Garabandal, tucked away in the Spanish mountains, had its own unique serenity. Though quieter than Fatima or Lourdes, it offered a place for heartfelt prayer and reflection. The paths and pine trees that witnessed Mary’s messages of faith and repentance felt like a hidden treasure for the soul.

Each of these journeys reminded me of the universal love and reverence for Mary, drawing believers closer to her and, through her, to God. The Assumption of Mary serves as a reminder of her heavenly glory—a glory that I could feel reflected in the sacred moments I experienced at each of these holy sites.