The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

From Wikipedia: Munificentissimus Deus (Latin for "The most bountiful God") is the name of an Apostolic constitution written by Pope Pius XII. It defines ex cathedra the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the second ex-cathedra infallible statement ever made by a Pope, the first since the official ruling on Papal Infallibility was made at the First Vatican Council (1869-1870). In 1854, Pope Pius IX made an infallible statement with Ineffabilis Deus on the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which was a basis for this dogma. The decree was promulgated on November 1, 1950.

Every year on August 15, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

Although the Church has always believed that Mary was probably taken up into heaven, it wasn't until the year 1950 that Pope Pius XII dogmatically and infallibly defined the Assumption as a dogma that we must believe. The decree reads: ". . . having completed the course of her earthly life, (Mary) was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory."

The first reading today is from the dream of St. John, the Book of Revelation, where the Church has identified the woman who crushes the head of the Dragon (Satan) as Mary, and the child to Whom she is about to give birth as Jesus Christ.


In the second reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians, the apostle tells us that the bodily resurrection of Christ is a proof that Christ has won the victory over Satan and death. Like Mary who is taken up body and soul into heaven, so too will all who believe in Christ and follow His teaching, experience a bodily resurrection.


The gospel shows why Mary is so important in the life of the church. In the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, we celebrate the joy of two women, one carrying Jesus in her womb, and the second carrying John the Baptist in hers. Mary's heart was beating right next to God's heart. Think of it! No wonder Mary sings out that wonderful hymn, the Magnificat - - My Soul Magnifies the Lord! As Mary's love nurses the body of Jesus, so God's love nourishes Mary's soul.


God's love inspires Mary and all of us to praise the justice of God toward the poor and the helpless. Today's feast also teaches us to be patient under suffering as Mary was.


Day after day, her closeness to Christ's yearning to free the world from sin prepared her heart to share in tragedy, that terrible Good Friday! When we sometimes question whether God is really present in our own trials and pain, may we turn to Mary, and find strength in her faith and trust.