The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin by El Greco

The many written accounts of the Assumption date back initially to the 4th century, and it is a long held belief of both the Roman and Eastern Rites.  Because of the long-standing belief of this event did Pope Pius XII declare this definitive dogma of the Roman Catholic Church in 1950.

This is a wonderful example of how the Pope and Magisterium do not create new dogma, but rather continually deepen our understanding.  Through the Holy Spirit they study and contemplate the Word to understand and teach the will of the Father, just as Christ had designed when He created His Church.

"And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." St. Luke 1:28

Mary is the Immaculate Conception since she was born and is forever without sin (full of grace.) Who else could be the Mother of Our Lord? Sinless, she did not experience death; rather, she was assumed into Heaven.

"Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." St. Luke 1:48

Assumption of the Virgin by Carracci

"And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered. And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns: and on his head seven diadems: And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God, and to his throne." Revelation 12:1-6

The woman is the Church, though allusion to the physical birth by Our Lady is evident. Hail, Holy Queen.