The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Описание: The Assumption of Mary is the Catholic belief that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul, by God. This event is celebrated on the Feast of the Assumption, a public holiday in several countries on August 15th. The dogma, officially defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950, is seen as a sign of hope and a preview of the resurrection for all Christians.
Key aspects of the Assumption of Mary
A unique participation in her son's resurrection: The Assumption is understood as a unique participation in her son Jesus' resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.
Significance of the body: The doctrine emphasizes the goodness and holiness of the body, and that it is not limited to Jesus. It is a sign that God's intentions include glorifying humanity's bodies in heaven.
Foreshadowing of resurrection: Mary's bodily assumption foreshadows what God intends to do for all who believe, as she is the new Eve who experiences what all will experience at the final resurrection.
An act of grace: It is viewed as an act of grace from God, honoring Mary's faithful and holy life and her complete "yes" to God's will.
Biblical basis: While the event is not explicitly described in the Bible, some see a parallel in Revelation 12, which describes a woman crowned with stars who is caught up to God's throne. Others note that the Bible does not mention Mary's death, but the story of her assumption is rooted in early Christian belief.
Historical development: The belief in Mary's assumption dates back to the early centuries of the church. The feast was introduced in the 5th century and was officially defined as a dogma in 1950.
Eastern traditions: In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, the feast is known as the Dormition of the Mother of God.