August 13, 2025

This week, the Church celebrates one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We believe, and the Church has solemnly proclaimed, that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven.

This is not just a comforting thought; it is a dogma of our Catholic faith. Pope Pius XII officially proclaimed it on November 1, 1950, in the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus. He wrote: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

The timing was no accident. The world had just endured decades of unimaginable suffering, including two World Wars, the Holocaust, and the atomic bombs. Humanity was weary and searching for hope. By proclaiming the Assumption, Pope Pius XII lifted our gaze toward heaven, reminding us that God’s promises are trustworthy and that our final destiny is not despair, but glory.

Seventy-five years later, the world is still restless. War, division, violence, and uncertainty fill our headlines. We still need hope, and the Assumption still gives it. Mary’s life reminds us that faithfulness, humility, and trust in God lead to eternal life. Her Assumption reminds us that heaven is our true home, that our bodies share in our salvation, and that love is stronger than death.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Mary’s Assumption is a shining sign of what God intends for each of us. She is not just the Queen of Heaven; she is our Mother, interceding for us, pointing us always to her Son, and encouraging us to persevere.

This week, let us turn to Mary with confidence: “Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us, that we may keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and one day share in the glory you now behold.”