The Assumption of Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. Pope Pius XII defined it on 1 November 1950 in his apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus as follows:
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.
A famous treatment in Western art, Titian's Assumption, 1516–1518
Memorial in Youghal, Ireland, to the promulgation of the dogma of the Assumption
Parma Cathedral, Illusionistic dome, Correggio, 1526–1530
The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, also known as Mosta Dome or as Mosta Rotunda, in Mosta, Malta. The façade is decorated for the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August.
Catholic Mariology is Mariology in Catholic theology. According to the Immaculate Conception taught by the Catholic Church, she was conceived and born without sin, hence Mary is seen as having a singular dignity above the saints, receiving a higher level of veneration than all angelic spirits and blessed souls in heaven. Catholic Mariology thus studies not only her life but also the veneration of her in daily life, prayer, hymns, art, music, and architecture in modern and ancient Christianity throughout the ages.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted in a rose-garden with angels playing music. Roses are a symbol of Mary.
A Christ and Mary, mosaic, Chora Church, 12–14th century. "To Christ through Mary", taught by Louis de Montfort.
Santa Maria Antiqua, in the Forum Romanum, 5th century, seat of Pope John VII
Mary as the Queen of Heaven in Dante's Divine Comedy. Illustration by Gustave Doré.