Assumption of Mary
Fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary
Introduction
The fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary is the Assumption of Mary, a momentous event in Christian theology. This doctrine holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. The importance and significance of the Assumption lie in its affirmation of Mary’s unique role in the divine plan and her closeness to her son, Jesus Christ.
The Assumption underscores Mary’s sinlessness and her intimate connection with the redemptive work of Jesus. By being assumed into heaven, Mary is believed to have already experienced the fullness of salvation that awaits all believers in Christ. This event emphasizes the dignity of Mary as the Mother of God and reinforces her role as a model of faith and discipleship for the Christian community.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary also highlights the sanctity of the human body. In Mary’s assumption, the physical aspect of her being is not left behind but is glorified in unity with her soul. This anticipates the Christian belief in the resurrection of the body at the end of time.
Ultimately, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a celebration of divine grace, emphasizing the profound bond between the mother and the son, and it offers believers a glimpse into the heavenly glory that awaits those who follow Christ faithfully.
Scriptures
And by me his handmaid he hath fulfilled his mercy, which he promised to the house of Israel: and he hath killed the enemy of his people by my hand this night. Then she brought forth the head of Holofernes out of the wallet, and shewed it them, saying: Behold the head of Holofernes the general of the army of the Assyrians, and behold his canopy, wherein he lay in his drunkenness, where the Lord our God slew him by the hand of a woman. But as the same Lord liveth, his angel hath been my keeper both going hence, and abiding there, and returning from thence hither: and the Lord hath not suffered me his handmaid to be defiled, but hath brought me back to you without pollution of sin, rejoicing for his victory, for my escape, and for your deliverance. (Judith 13:18-20)
And when she was come out to him, they all blessed her with one voice, saying: Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou art the joy of Israel, thou art the honor of our people: For thou hast done manfully, and thy heart has been strengthened, because thou hast loved chastity, and after thy husband hast not known any other: therefore also the hand of the Lord hath strengthened thee, and therefore thou shalt be blessed forever. And all the people said: So be it, so be it. (Judith 15:10)
Scripture Commentary
Judith 13:18-20 is a passage from the Book of Judith in the Old Testament. In this passage, Judith, a courageous and pious widow, has just slain the Assyrian general Holofernes, who posed a threat to her people. The verses describe the aftermath of this significant event.
In these verses, Uzziah, a leader among the Israelites, praises Judith for her bravery and attributes her success to the guidance of the Most High God. He acknowledges her as blessed among women and expresses gratitude for her role in saving their nation from impending danger. The passage emphasizes the idea that Judith’s courageous actions were not only a personal triumph but also a divine intervention that averted disaster for her people.
Judith 15:10 is a verse from the Book of Judith in the Old Testament. This verse comes towards the end of the book and describes the aftermath of Judith’s victory over the Assyrian army.
In this verse, the people who witnessed Judith’s triumph over the Assyrians are filled with astonishment and gratitude. They collectively bow down and worship God, recognizing the divine intervention that led to the defeat of their enemies. The verse emphasizes the unity of the people in acknowledging God’s role in the victory and expressing their blessings for the deliverance from their adversaries. It reflects a moment of communal worship and thanksgiving for the miraculous events that unfolded, highlighting the theme of divine assistance and the people’s recognition of God’s power in times of crisis.
What Is the Assumption
of the Virgin Mary?
The Assumption Mary is the Catholic teaching that the Virgin Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was ta+ken into Heaven body and soul. Unlike ordinary human death, her body did not undergo decay. God brought her, whole and glorified, into His presence.
This was a grace, granted to Mary as the Mother of Jesus, who was preserved from sin and remained faithful throughout her life. Of all human beings, only Jesus ascended by His own power. Mary, His most faithful disciple, was taken by His power as a sign of His love and her holiness.
Her Assumption reminds believers that the body is good, created for eternal glory, and destined—if faithful—to share in resurrection. The Assumption of the Virgin possibly reveals how God intends to glorify both the body and soul of the faithful.
The Church honors this event each year on August 15. This Solemnity, known as Assumption Day, is one of the great feasts in the Catholic Church calendar. The faithful are called to attend Mass, give thanks, and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, now glorified in Heaven.
What the Church Teaches About the Assumption
The Assumption is not an optional belief—it is a dogma, a revealed doctrine of the Catholic Church. It teaches that the Virgin Mary, at the end of her life, was taken up into Heaven, body and soul, by the power of God.
In 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly defined the Assumption of Mary in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus. He proclaimed that Mary, after completing her earthly life, was assumed—body and soul—into heavenly glory. This great event is known as the Glorious Assumption.
The declaration by Pope Pius XII did not invent the belief. It confirmed what the Church had always held through Sacred Tradition, celebrated in the liturgy, and preserved by the Fathers of the early centuries. It is a truth rooted in the constant faith of the Catholic people.
The Church teaches that this was not something Mary did by her own strength. Like Enoch and Elijah, she was taken up by the power of God. But unlike them, she bore the One Lord, the Son of God, and so was given a higher glory.
Through the Assumption of the Virgin, we see how God honors holiness, rewards the faithful, and fulfills His promises of mercy and eternal life.
Biblical Support for Mary’s Assumption
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not stated directly in Scripture, but the Catholic Church teaches that the Bible contains signs, patterns, and images that support this doctrine.
In Genesis 5:24, Enoch “walked with God, and he was not seen: because God took him.” In 2 Kings 2:11, the prophet Elijah was carried into Heaven in a fiery chariot. Both were taken body and soul, showing that such a mystery is within God’s power.
In Revelation 11:19–12:1, John sees the Ark of the Covenant in Heaven, followed by a vision of a woman clothed with the sun, crowned with stars, and giving birth to the One Lord. The Catholic Church sees this woman as the Virgin Mary, the new Ark, who bore the Word made flesh—Jesus.
The Ark was the holiest object in the Old Testament, and Mary, as the living Ark, was the most pure vessel of God’s presence. It is fitting that the Virgin Mary would not see decay but be brought into Heaven in her glorious assumption.
Though the Bible does not say, “Mary was assumed,” the witness of Scripture and Sacred Tradition, together, confirm what the Church teaches: Mary’s Assumption is the will and work of God.
What the Early Church Believed About Mary’s End
Belief in the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was not invented in the 20th century. It was held and celebrated for generations before Pope Pius XII declared it as dogma.
Early Church Fathers, like St. John Damascene and St. Gregory of Tours, taught that the Virgin Mary was taken into Heaven. They believed it was fitting that her body, which carried the Lord, should not suffer decay. Instead, she was glorified—body and soul—in her passing assumption.
Liturgies in both East and West honored this truth. In the East, the feast was called the Dormition of Mary—her “falling asleep.” In the West, it became known as the Assumption Day, or the Solemnity of the Assumption.
This belief was not just liturgical; it was passed down through Sacred Tradition and held by the faithful. The Catholic Church preserved this doctrine in her library of teaching and worship, affirming it through centuries of devotion and prayer.
The early Church did not ask, “Did the Virgin remain in the tomb?” They celebrated her being taken to Heaven, trusting the divine mercy of God, who honors His mother.
Why the Church Has No Relics of the Virgin
The Catholic Church has always treasured the relics of the saints—especially their physical remains. These holy reminders of the faithful are preserved in shrines, cathedrals, and reliquaries around the world.
There are many well-known examples:
- St. Peter, the first pope—his bones rest beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
- St. Paul—his tomb is at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
In 2006, the Vatican confirmed that a sarcophagus found under the altar dates to the first or second century and is believed to contain his remains.
- St. James the Greater—his relics are honored in Santiago de Compostela, a famous Catholic pilgrimage site.
- St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Padre Pio, and St. John Vianney—their bodies are still venerated.
- Even St. John the Baptist’s head has been claimed by more than one ancient church.
But when it comes to the Virgin Mary, the Church has no relics.
No bones. No verified tomb. No shrine claiming to possess her body. This is especially significant because Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the blessed among women, and the greatest of saints.
Even in Jerusalem, the Church of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary does not claim her body remains there. Tradition holds that her tomb was found empty—that Mary assumed into Heaven, body and soul.
This silence speaks volumes.
If the body of Mary had remained on earth, it would have been revered above all others. The absence of relics strongly supports what the Catholic Church has always believed: that in her glorious assumption, Mary Mother of the Lord was taken by God’s power into eternal life.
Why Mary’s Assumption Matters for Us
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is more than a teaching about her—it’s a sign of hope for every faithful Christian.
It tells us that the body is not worthless. God created us as a unity of body and soul. Through the Assumption, He shows us that both are meant for Heaven. The Virgin Mary’s glorification is a promise of what can await all who love and follow Jesus.
Mary’s Assumption reminds us that holiness is not optional. Her life was one of complete trust, humility, and obedience. In return, she received an eternal reward. What happened to Mary in her assumption body will happen to us—if we persevere in grace.
The world often forgets about eternity. It treats the body as temporary and the soul as imaginary. But Mary’s Assumption lifts our eyes to what is real: divine mercy, eternal life, and union with God.
This holy doctrine encourages us to live in hope, to trust Sacred Tradition, and to remember that every act of faith brings us closer to the glory that Mary now enjoys.
How the Assumption Is Different from the Ascension
The Assumption of Mary and the Ascension of Jesus are both glorious, but they are not the same.
Jesus, who is the One Lord and true God, rose to Heaven by His own power. His Ascension was an act of divine authority—He is divine, eternal, and uncreated.
Mary, on the other hand, is fully human. She did not ascend. She was assumed—taken into Heaven body and soul by God’s grace. Her assumption is the result of God’s mercy and her unique role as Mary Mother of the Lord.
The Church honors both the Ascension and the Assumption, but it clearly teaches that only Jesus is God. The Assumption of the Virgin reveals God’s power to glorify those who serve Him with pure hearts.
The Catholic Church celebrates these mysteries not just as history, but as part of Sacred Tradition, teaching us who Jesus is and what He has done for Mary—and what He promises to do for us.
How Catholics Celebrate the Virgin Mary’s Assumption
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one of the most cherished feasts in the Catholic Church. It is celebrated every year on August 15 as the Solemnity of the Assumption Day.
In many countries, it is a Holy Day of Obligation. The faithful attend Mass to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, reflect on her role in salvation, and renew their hope in eternal life.
Devotions like the Rosary—especially the Glorious Mysteries, which include the Mary Assumption—are commonly prayed. Many parishes hold processions, Marian hymns, and special gatherings focused on Mary’s glorious assumption.
Faithful Catholics also use Catholic media—videos, audio, books, and podcasts—to deepen their understanding of this great doctrine. Some families visit a shrine or dedicate the day to acts of mercy, inspired by the Virgin’s heart.
The Church encourages all the faithful to look to Mary Mother as a model of holiness. Her Assumption is not just about her; it points to what God offers all His children. The watch of Mary, assumed into Heaven, reminds us that the gates of glory are open to those who follow Jesus with pure and trusting hearts.
Common Questions About the Pope’s Dogma on Mary
Why did the Pope define the Assumption in 1950?
Though believed for many centuries, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was officially defined as dogma by Pope Pius XII to strengthen faith after two world wars. His declaration brought hope to a wounded world and honored the Virgin Mary as a sign of peace, victory, and eternal life. This solemn act was guided by the Holy Spirit and deeply rooted in Sacred Tradition.
Did Mary die before being assumed?
The Catholic Church has not defined this point. Some believe Mary died a natural death and was later assumed; others think she was taken without dying. In the East, this is celebrated as the Dormition, or Passing Assumption. Either way, the doctrine affirms that Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven by God’s power.
Is the Assumption in the Bible?
Not in direct wording. However, Scripture includes patterns that support the teaching—Enoch, Elijah, the Ark in Heaven, and the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation (interpreted as the Virgin Mary). These signs, together with Sacred Tradition and teachings of the Fathers, confirm the Mary Assumption as part of the deposit of faith.
Do Catholics worship Mary?
No. Worship is for God alone. Catholics honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus, with great love and devotion, but they do not adore her. Honor given to Mary is called hyperdulia, distinct from the latria given to God, the One Lord. Mary always leads us to Jesus and teaches us to trust His divine mercy.
Final Thoughts: Follow Mary to Jesus
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is both a promise and a call.
It promises that Heaven is real, that the body matters, and that eternal life with God is possible for those who remain faithful. It calls us to follow Mary Mother in her example of trust, obedience, and humility. Her heart was always open to God’s will, and her soul magnified the Lord.
Through her glorious assumption, the Virgin Mary became a visible sign of the destiny God intends for all who love Him. She now reigns in Heaven with Jesus, as Mother of the Church, interceding for us with divine mercy.
She is not distant. She prays for her children. She watches over the Church. Her words still echo: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Let us remain faithful. Let us receive the sacraments, pray with love, live with purity, and trust in God. If we do, we too shall rise—body and soul—where Mary now is: with Jesus, forever.
This holy and ancient doctrine, preserved in the living library of the Catholic Church, reminds us that every life matters, every soul is loved, and the Assumption is our hope made visible.
Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a special day in the Catholic Church that commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven, both in body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. This event is not explicitly described in the Bible, but it is a longstanding tradition in Catholic theology.
The Assumption highlights Mary’s unique role and closeness to her son, Jesus Christ. According to Catholic belief, Mary’s assumption into heaven is a sign of her special favor with God and her participation in the glory of the resurrection. The feast, celebrated on August 15th, is a time for Catholics to reflect on Mary’s significance in their faith and to honor her as a model of faith, humility, and devotion. It is a day of joy and reverence for Mary’s exalted position in Christian theology.
Download our Glorious Mysteries pdf Document
We have a Glorious Mysteries pdf available for your use. It is free to download and share. It can be printed and used for praying the Rosary and is an excellent aid for anyone, especially for beginners. The author still uses it to this day.
To view our Glorious Mysteries pdf page, click the link. To go straight to the pdf, click the button below.
History Behind Mary's Assumption
This video is well worth your time. It is the best video we have been able to find on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From Catholic Sanity.
Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he always believed in Jesus Christ. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hand, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
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