The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary marks the
end of Mary's earthly life. Pope Pius XII, in Munificentissimus
Deus (1950), defined that Mary, "after the completion of her
earthly life was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven."
Being born without sin, she may have been taken into heaven in
whole, without dying, body and soul uncorrupt. The Orthodox
Christians refer to the Assumption as the Dormition of Mary, of the
'Falling Asleep'. They believe that Mary suffered earthly death,
but was taken into heaven immediately. Either assumption is
possible (pun intended), because the key thing to note is that her
body and soul were left uncorrupt and taken into heaven.
Obviously, there is no biblical evidence for this, but this is
based on history and the tradition of the Church. In the early
Church, the relics and remains of the saints were venerated.
However, there have been no records relating to the remains of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. If they existed, many would have tried to
claim them, but nobody did.
The Assumption is a fitting earthly ending for Mary, for being
concieved without sin makes this Assumption a natural and most
logical conclusion. Our earthly deaths are the result of sin, but
she was sinless. Furthermore, she is the Mother of God, the most
perfect example for all Christians. Her Assumption is a reminder to
all of us that at the Final Judgement, our bodies and souls shall
be reunited to rejoice in Earth, or God forbid, suffer in Hell. May
Her example and prayers lead us to Christ our King and Redeemer.
Venite Dominus Iesus!
One last thing to take note. There is a difference between Jesus'
Ascension and Mary's Assumption. Jesus is God, and He rose to
Heaven by His Power. Mary though perfect, remains God's creature.
Therefore it was God who lifted Her up, not Herself. for 'He puts
down the proud hearted and raises the lowly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02006b.htm
