The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church is that, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is when Mary was taken up body and soul into Heaven after her life here on earth was over. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Dormition of the Theotokos, Mary died and then rose to Heaven.
This is a very important feast and is often celebrated on August 15. It is a Holy Day of Obligation by the Church Calender. This year, the feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Wednesday, August 15, 2012.
In praise and adoration of our Blessed Mother on this day of the Feast of the Assumption:
“Her name, like the name of Jesus, is joy to the heart,
a drop of honey to the mouth, a delightful melody to the ear.”
(Saint Anthony of Padua)
Homily 08-15-2011 — Fr. Anthony Mary, MFVA — The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
For more information on the Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin:
Feast of the Assumption –Catholic Encyclopedia
CHURCH FATHERS: Assumption of Mary
Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Greek Orthodox Church)
Assumption of Mary -Wikipedia