📜 Special Series – Marian Dogmas - The Assumption of Mary into Heaven in Body and Soul

 Assumption of Mary

Keyword focus: Assumption of Mary

Introduction

The Assumption of Mary is one of the most beautiful and significant dogmas of Christianity, especially within the Catholic tradition. Officially declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950, in the document Munificentissimus Deus, this dogma affirms that the Mother of Jesus was assumed into Heaven body and soul, crowning her earthly life with a unique glorification.

More than a theological point, the Assumption of Mary connects with cultural, spiritual and even political dimensions in the American continent, where Marian devotion has shaped national identities, social movements and even academic debates.

Thus, understanding the Assumption of Mary is not only delving into a mystery of faith, but also into a phenomenon that intertwines religion, history, anthropology and even economics.

The Dogma of the Assumption: History and Proclamation

The tradition of the Assumption of Mary dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. Apocryphal writings, such as the Transitus Mariae , already narrated that Mary did not experience bodily corruption after death, being assumed into Heaven.

During the Middle Ages, the belief became more established, until it was solemnly declared on November 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XII. In his apostolic constitution, he wrote:

> "We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the Immaculate Mother of God, ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory" (PIUS XII, 1950).

This proclamation did not arise in a vacuum: it reflected the desire of millions of believers around the world who saw in Mary a model of hope in the face of wars, crises, and social transformations of the 20th century.

The Assumption and the American Continent

On the American continent, marked by inequality, popular faith and hybrid identities, the Assumption of Mary has become a symbol of resistance and hope.

In Latin America, Marian devotion is a central part of popular culture. Festivals like the Virgin of the Assumption in Asunción, Paraguay, and in cities in Mexico demonstrate how faith is intertwined with community life.

In the United States, the Assumption is also a date of celebration for Catholic communities, often as a link between immigrants and their spiritual roots.

Mary, ascended to Heaven, represents human dignity in the face of earthly injustices. For Latin American peoples who have faced colonization, dictatorships, and crises, the Assumption of Mary echoes as a cry of hope.

Theological and Spiritual Dimension

The Assumption of Mary is not just a personal reward given to the Mother of Jesus. It is a sign of the ultimate destiny of all Christians: resurrection and eternal life.

Theologians emphasize that, as Mary was the first fully redeemed human being, her Assumption anticipates what all humanity hopes to receive in Christ.

As Benedict XVI said:

> "In the Assumption of Mary we contemplate what we are called to be: full participants in Christ's victory over death." (BENEDICT XVI, 2006).

Assumption of Mary and Visual Culture

The dogma has inspired countless artistic representations over the centuries:

Latin American Baroque paintings show Mary raised to Heaven among angels, as a symbol of glory and intercession.

Cathedrals in Mexico, Peru and Brazil house altars dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, reaffirming its cultural centrality.

👉 Short video: the proclamation of the dogma in 1950 .

Contemporary Criticism and Perspectives

Although the dogma of the Assumption of Mary is accepted by Catholics, other Christian traditions view it as unbiblical, as there is no explicit reference to it in Scripture.

However, scholars emphasize that the Assumption is based on the development of Tradition and the theological reading of passages such as Revelation 12, which presents "the woman clothed with the sun."

Today, in a plural and constantly transforming world, the Assumption is also interpreted as a symbol of integral ecology: Mary, as a fully redeemed creature, points to a new relationship between humanity and creation.

Recommended Products and Resources

To deepen your understanding of the Assumption of Mary and the universe of Marian Dogmas:

1. 📘 Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin – Amazon Affiliate.

2. 📗 Mariology: Doctrine and Spirituality – Amazon Affiliate.

3. 🎓 Hotmart Infoproduct: Online Mariology Course – academic and spiritual deepening.

Conclusion

The Assumption of Mary is not just a popular devotional belief, but an invitation to reflect on the destiny of humanity, the dignity of the body, and hope in times of crisis.

In the American context, it resonates as a symbol of identity, cultural resistance, and transformative faith.

Just as Mary was taken up into Heaven body and soul, we too are called to transform our earthly realities into experiences of justice, beauty, and hope.

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📚 References

BENEDICT XVI. Homily on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Castel Gandolfo, August 15, 2006. Available at: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/pt/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20060815_assunzione.html. Accessed: August 18, 2025.

PIUS XII. Munificentissimus Deus. Apostolic Constitution defining the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rome: Vatican, 1950. Available at: https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/pt/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus.html. Accessed: August 18, 2025.

CONGAR, Yves. Faith and theology. São Paulo: Loyola, 2003.

RATZINGER, Joseph (Benedict XVI). Introduction to Christianity. 2nd ed. São Paulo: Loyola, 2005.

BOFF, Leonardo. The Maternal Face of God. 2nd ed. Petropolis: Vozes, 1990.

MIRANDA, Mario de França. Ecclesiology: Church as communion and participation. 5th ed. São Paulo: Loyola, 2002.

SCHILLEBEECKX, Edward. Mary, Mother of Redemption. São Paulo: Paulus, 1990.