“And I saw a great sign appear in heaven: A Woman clothed with the sun; and the moon was under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars!”- Book of The Revelation
“By the authority of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that 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.”- Pope Pius XII, November 1, 1950, Munificentissimus Deus
It has always been noted by true theologians and doctors of the Church that popes declare doctrines and dogma so as to protect these always held truths from ages of impiety, corruption and loss of faith. Thus, the Holy Spirit, knowing the apostasy that was to come so soon after the pontificate of Pius XII, protected the universally held doctrine of the Assumption of the dear Blessed Mother by the power of her Divine Son.
It is also believed that the Blessed Mother chose to die, (the Dormition of the Virgin) so as to further share in the Passion of her Son, she who, because of His merits upon the Cross of Calvary, was not subject to death. Whereas Our Lord ascended into heaven of His own power and glory, united substantially to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, Our Lady was assumed into heaven as an express gift of her loving Son.
Anyone who has studied or travelled on pilgrimage to Europe knows the amazing history of relics, some real, most fake, (pious fakes, but still fakes.) However, it is very interesting to note that nowhere, absolutely nowhere does any group, church, or region claim the grave or body of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or has ever claimed such. The belief in her assumption was always held to be fact by the Church, both eastern and western and by the faithful in all places at all times.
Remember, O great Virgin Mary, that you are our mother, our queen and our advocate before the throne of your Divine Son, Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Pray for us always, and for all whom we love. Keep us safe neath your mantle of Love and take us to your Son, Jesus. Blessed be God in you, O Blessed Mother, and blessed be His work of salvation shown in you to the glory of His Name. We love you, Mother Most Pure, Mother Most Chaste, Mother Most Loving; help us to love your Son and receive us at the hour of our death. Amen.
