Feast of the Assumption Meaning and Purpose
Why Mary and Her Journey to Heaven are Important to Catholics
Aug 2, 2009
Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the Assumption, for short - on August 15. The Assumption is when Catholics honor Mary's journey into heaven.
This article will examine the meaning and purpose of the Assumption and explore why this event is so important to Catholics.
What is an Assumption
Assumption means that God takes the individual body and soul into heaven without him or her suffering death.
God assumed important individuals in the Bible. The Old Testament describes how the Prophet Elijah's assumption occurred. "Suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared... and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind" (2 Kings 2:11).
Images of Mary's assumption depict the Holy Mother in the sky, with saints and believers praying underneath her. These images, like the Elijah passage in 2 Kings, show how God separated Mary from the rest of the world and brought her to heaven.
Meaning of Mary's Assumption
The Feast of the Assumption is the main celebration of Mary's life and ministry. God assumed Mary into heaven, Catholics believe, because of Mary's special relationship with God. All of Mary's roles - Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Lady of Sorrows - are tied in with her position in heaven, guiding, watching, and caring for God's children.
In the papal document that made Mary's assumption dogma, or official teaching of the Catholic Church, Pope Pius XII declares that God "... from all eternity regards Mary with a most favorable and unique affection" (Munificentissimus Deus, 1950). This affection accounts for why God brought Mary, body and soul, into heaven before the end times.
Catholics believe Mary herself was born without sin, so that she could bring forth God's son, Jesus. Mary's Immaculate Conception, when Catholics celebrate Mary's sinless nature, is another important feast in the Catholic Church.
Since Mary had no sin, she could not die like normal, sinful people and ascend to heaven, a higher place. Therefore, God had to assume her, or take her up while she was still alive, to bring her to heaven.
Why Mary's Assumption is Important to Catholics
Catholics believe that Mary is not only the mother of Jesus, but of all who believe. As the Holy Mother, Mary's assumption reflects God's promise to all his children. All who obey God and believe, as Mary did, will join God in heaven.
All devout Christians live in the hope of new life after death, just as Jesus was raised from the dead on the first Easter.
Catholics hold Mary's assumption as a reminder that God loves them and yearns for them to join Jesus, Mary, and all the saints in heaven.
For ideas to honor Mary's assumption or other holy days, see Mary's Month Activities. Also try Hail Mary Meditation for a new twist on a traditional prayer.
Sources:
- "Feast of the Assumption." The Catholic Encyclopedia. 2009.
- Holy Bible. Oremus Bible Browser. 2009.
- "Munificentissimus Deus: Defining the Dogma of the Assumption," Pope Pius XII, Available through the Vatican's website.
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