Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Saint of the day for 15 August

The story of the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary as a dogma of faith: "We pronounce, declare and define a divinely revealed dogma that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, he was assumed body and soul for heavenly glory “. The pope proclaimed this dogma only after extensive consultation with bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common faith in the Catholic Church.

We find homilies on the Assumption dating back to the sixth century. In later centuries, the Eastern Churches held firmly to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, in the thirteenth century there was universal agreement. The festival has been celebrated under various names - Commemoration, Dormition, Passage, Assumption - since at least the XNUMXth or XNUMXth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.

Scripture does not account for Mary's Assumption into heaven. However, Revelation 12 is about a woman who is involved in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God's people. Because Mary best embodies the people of the Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman's victory.

Also, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus' life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit led the Church to believe in Mary's participation in his glorification. She was so close to Jesus on earth, she had to be with him body and soul in heaven.

Reflection
In the light of Mary's Assumption, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1: 46–55) with a new meaning. In his glory he proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God his savior. God has done wonders for her and she leads others to recognize God's holiness. She is the humble handmaid who has deeply revered her God and has been raised to the heights. From his position of strength he will help the humble and the poor find justice on earth and will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.