What is the Assumption of Mary into Heaven?
The dogma of the Assumption teaches that the Immaculate Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things.
Because Mary was completely preserved from original sin and had shared intimately in Christ's passion and victory, it was fitting that her body should not undergo the decay of the tomb. In her Assumption, Mary anticipates the bodily resurrection promised to all faithful believers at the last day.
From heaven, Mary does not abandon her maternal care for humanity. She continues to intercede with her Son for pilgrims journeying on earth, shining as a sign of sure hope and comfort to the people of God.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 966
- Revelation 12:1
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.