Heaven Rejoices: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” – Luke 1:46-47

Today, on August 15, the Church raises her voice in joyful praise, celebrating one of the most glorious feast days in the liturgical year: the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On this day we commemorate that singular moment when Mary, the Holy Mother of God, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” (The dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was issued in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.)

This mystery is not merely an honor bestowed upon Mary—it is a radiant sign of hope for all of us.

A Mother Drawn into Glory

Mary’s Assumption is a triumph of God’s grace. She who gave her fiat—said “yes” to God—in humble obedience at the Annunciation is now crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her body, which bore the Savior of the world, was not subject to decay. Her soul, immaculate and magnified by grace, is now forever in the presence of the Holy Trinity.

The Assumption reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. Mary’s life was not easy—she knew the fear of fleeing, the sorrow of misunderstanding, and the agony of partaking in her Son's passion and death. Yet she stood steadfast. In her fidelity, she shows us what it means to be truly human and fully surrendered to God.

Hope for the Pilgrim Church

While the Assumption is uniquely Mary’s, it also holds a deep message for us. It proclaims that our bodies matter, that our lives matter, and that what we do on earth has eternal significance. Mary’s glorification assures us that death is not the end, but rather the doorway to life with Christ.

She goes before us as the first disciple, as the first to follow Christ not only in faith and suffering, but also in resurrection and glory.

Our Advocate, Our Mother

In heaven, Mary’s role as mother does not cease. She intercedes for us, walks with us, comforts and encourages us. Her Assumption is not an end, but a new beginning—the opportunity for a deeper closeness with her children here on earth.

As we reflect on her Assumption, may we renew our own fiat—our own “yes” to God. May we, like Mary, live in such a way that our lives magnify the Lord. And may we never forget that the same God who raised her up desires to raise us, too.

Hail Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us.