Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God. The belief among Christians that the Mother of God was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life is not documented in the scriptures, although the account which appears in the book of Revelation is believed to speak prophetically about this event (cf Rev 11:19; 12:1-6, 10).
The Roman Catholic Church holds this belief as a Dogma, defined in the Apostolic Constitution entitled Munificentissimus Deus (God is most generous) which was published by Pope Pius XII on 1 November 1950. This was one of the very rare occasions when the Holy Father spoke ex cathedra (which literally means from the Chair). In order for this to happen, the Pope must speak in union with his brother Bishops, and it must express something about the faith that is believed by the people of God (cf MD, 12).
Today is a day of great rejoicing for the entire Church. We give thanks to God for the great grace accorded to the mother of Jesus whose soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord (Lk 1:46). In recognition for her role in our salvation history, she was the first mortal to be taken up into heaven, and because she has been given this great privilege, we too can look forward to the day when we will enter into the joy of heaven.
Have a great day.
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