The Assumption of Mary
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a commemoration celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and a few other Christian religions around the world. ----- < ✠ > ----- This celebration of Mary's Assumption began with 5th century Christians (AD 400's), although some evidence points to an even earlier observance. But it was basically a remembrance of Mary's death, without the Assumption connection. Rather, it bore a sense of Our Lady’s, “Birth Into Heaven,” or, as it was known in the Byzantine tradition, her “Dormition” (falling asleep). The actual Feast of the Assumption, as we think of it, however, was first seen within the Church at Rome during the middle of the 7th century. So while it has obviously been observed by the faithful for a long time, it did take roughly 13 centuries for it to be declared doctrine: On 1, November, 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Mary’s assumption, body and soul ,