1950 AD
On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus: '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.' This dogma fulfilled the ancient belief of the Church that Mary, who was preserved from original sin, would not experience the corruption of the tomb.
The Assumption had been celebrated in liturgy since at least the fifth century, but its formal definition waited until the modern era. Pius XII noted that 'nearly all the theologians affirm with certainty' that Mary was assumed. The dogma emphasizes Mary's unique participation in her Son's resurrection and her role as the first fruits of the general resurrection. Key document: Munificentissimus Deus; Key Scripture: Luke 1:48, Revelation 11:19, 12:1