Why Do Catholics Believe That Mary Was Assumed into Heaven?

The Church teaches that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven. Jesus ascended by his own divine power. Mary was taken up by God. Every privilege we honor in Mary comes from God’s grace, and she freely and faithfully responded to that grace.

Scripture does not narrate the Assumption. Divine Revelation, however, is handed on to the Church through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The belief in Mary’s Assumption was handed down in Tradition and became clearer over time through the Church’s prayer, worship, and reflection on Scripture.

Mary’s Assumption cannot be separated from her union with Jesus. By a unique grace, she already shares body and soul in her Son’s victory over sin and death.

Saint Paul calls the risen Christ “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Christ rose in glory, and at his coming those who belong to him will also be raised. Mary’s Assumption is unique, but it reveals what Christ’s Resurrection promises the whole Church. God intends to save the whole person, body and soul.

God did not create us as souls temporarily living inside bodies. Each of us is one person, body and soul. Our bodies grow weak, suffer, and eventually die, but they are not meaningless. We have been washed in Baptism, nourished by the Eucharist, and made temples of the Holy Spirit.

In Mary, we see where Christ is leading his Church. She already shares in the life we await, and her Assumption assures us that death will not have the final word.

This week, pray the fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. Ask Mary to help you trust the promise God has already fulfilled in her. In Christ, God intends to save the whole person, body and soul.

A Liturgical Note: In the United States, the Assumption is normally a holy day of obligation. This year, August 15 falls on a Saturday, so the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated. The solemnity itself is still celebrated.

Catechism Connection: 1 Corinthians 15:20–23; Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 966, 972.

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