The Assumption, and the Mother who still appears, at Lourdes, Fátima, Guadalupe.
Story 3: Mary, Queen of Heaven
After Jesus went back to Heaven, the Bible doesn’t tell us much more about Mary’s life. But the Church has remembered and taught about her for two thousand years.
Catholics believe Mary lived quietly, praying and loving the early Church. Then, at the end of her life, something very special happened. God brought her to Heaven, body and soul. This is called the Assumption. She didn’t go through the grave like we do. She was lifted up, just like her Son, Jesus.
Why do we believe this?
Because Mary was full of grace and never sinned, it makes sense that God would keep her close. The Assumption was officially declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950, but Christians had believed it for many centuries before. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption every year on August 15th.
Now, Mary is in Heaven with Jesus, and Catholics call her the Queen of Heaven and Earth. (Revelation 12:1 shows a woman crowned with stars, many believe this represents Mary.)
We believe she prays for us like a loving mother. That’s why Catholics say the Hail Mary and pray the Rosary, not to worship her, but to ask her to bring our prayers to Jesus.
Mary has even appeared to people around the world, reminding them to pray and love God. These are called apparitions:
- Our Lady of Lourdes in France
- Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal
- Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico
She always says the same message: “Pray, trust God, and love my Son.”