Assumption of Mary
| The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | |
|---|---|
A famous treatment in Western art, Titian's Assumption, 1516–1518 | |
| Also called |
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| Observed by |
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| Type | Christian |
| Significance | The bodily taking up of Mary, the mother of Jesus into Heaven |
| Observances | Attending Mass or service, blessing of herbs |
| Date |
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| Frequency | Annual |
The Assumption of Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. Pope Pius XII defined it on 1 November 1950 in his apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus as the assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven.[5] It is celebrated on 15 August.
It leaves open the question of whether Mary died or whether she was raised to eternal life without bodily death.[6]
The equivalent belief in the Eastern Christianity is the Dormition of the Mother of God or the "Falling Asleep of the Mother of God". In the Lutheran Churches, 15 August is celebrated as the Feast of St. Mary.[7] A number of Anglican denominations observe 15 August under various titles, including the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin or the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary.[2][3]
The word 'assumption' derives from the Latin word assūmptiō, meaning 'taking up'.
- ^ Beane, Larry (15 August 2019). "The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary". Gottesdienst. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
PrayerBookwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
Episcopal2018was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God". The Armenian Church. Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ Pius XII (1 November 1950). "Munificentissimus Deus". Holy See.
- ^ Collinge 2012, p. 53.
- ^ "The Blessed Virgin Mary and Christology". Indiana District LCMS. Retrieved 16 August 2025.