The Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary is the fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. At the completion of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. The Church teaches this as a gift of Christ's saving work. We honor her and pray with hope in the resurrection of the dead.
On this page
Scripture
Luke 1:48-49
for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
Spiritual fruit: devotion to Mary
Mary is taken into heavenly glory
The fourth Glorious Mystery contemplates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church teaches that, at the completion of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. This gift comes entirely from God through the saving work of Christ. In Mary, we see a sign of the resurrection promised to the faithful.
The Assumption is not narrated as an event in the Gospels. The Scripture chosen for this decade can illuminate Mary's faith and the hope of God's people, but it should not be mistaken for a report of her Assumption. The Church's teaching, expressed in the dogma defined in 1950 and in the Catechism, is the foundation for our contemplation of this mystery.
The fruit of devotion to Mary
Devotion to Mary draws us toward her Son. We honor the grace God has given her and ask her maternal prayers, while reserving adoration for God alone. Her consent at the Annunciation and her presence with the disciples in prayer are part of the life we recall when giving thanks for her Assumption. These scenes are recalled in the Annunciation and Pentecost mysteries.
The Assumption also speaks of the dignity of the human body. Christian hope includes the resurrection of the body. This is a fitting decade in which to pray for someone weakened by illness or old age. The care they receive, and the patience of those providing it, can be part of our intention.
For someone grieving a loved one, this mystery can offer quiet hope. Mary's glory points toward the fulfillment God intends for his people. When remembering someone who has died, we entrust them to God's mercy and pray for their eternal rest. Judgment of that person's soul belongs to God.
The feast of the Assumption
The Solemnity of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15. The obligation to attend Mass follows the local Church calendar; your parish can guide you. The mystery is also prayed throughout the year as part of the Glorious Rosary. Its August feast gives a particular occasion to reflect on the dogma and its place in the Church's faith.