This article was originally published on Thu, 10 Aug 2023.

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary as a dogma of faith. Pius XII said, “We pronounce, declare, and define it to be divinely revealed that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”  On Tuesday, August 15, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a holiday of obligation. Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both the Old and New Testaments, her assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.  In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Since Mary is so closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in His glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with Him body and soul in heaven.  In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels for her, and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength, she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as sources of happiness. Finally, I believe the solemnity of the Assumption is a reminder of the reality of the resurrection. We get a glimpse of the gift promised to us by the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. It is a celebration of God’s love. As Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I am going ahead of you to prepare a place for you.”  The Mother of Jesus has gone to the heavenly mansion. But Mary is our Mother too! Wouldn’t you think that where our Mother is, there we shall also be?