By Sarah Matti

How do we know the Assumption Mary is real? I figured we could discuss a few pieces of historical proof that show how we know Mary went to heaven body and soul. Since the beginning of time, the assumption of Mary has been a Catholic tradition that has been carried down to today. For more than 2,000 years, the church has held this tradition to be true.

To start, archaeology can provide a helpful explanation as to why the assumption of Mary truly occurred. When the saints passed away, several, if not most, of them left behind some physical remains as proof that their bodies were still alive. Mary has two tombs, one in Ephesus and one in Jerusalem. Given that Mary lived in both locations, this makes sense, but what's strange is that neither tomb contains her body.

Next, there is substantial evidence that supports the popular belief that Mary is the Ark of the Covenant. Now the Ark of the Covenant has been lost for many years and still to this day cannot be found. At the end of chapter 11 of the Book of Revelations, this was written: “Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant was seen within His temple, and there were flashes of lightening, voices, peals of thunder, an earthquake and heavy hail.”

At the start of chapter 12 right after the end of chapter 11 this was written, “And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; she was with child. ... [S]he brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron.” As it was clearly shown to St. John, the Ark of the Covenant is now in heaven as a "woman clothed with the sun" whose child is the Messiah. Thus, the New Ark of the Covenant , Mary, can also not be found because she is in Heaven.

Even major protestant figures believed in Mary’s Assumption. An example would be, Martin Luther, for him Marys Assumption was an understood fact, as of his homily of 1522. Even for Protestant Reformer Martin Butzer, he thought there was no reason to doubt the Assumption of Mary, he says "Indeed, no Christian doubts that the most worthy Mother of the Lord lives with her beloved Son in heavenly joy." (Marienlexikon, vol 3, 200)

The above is just few of much evidence and reasons to truly believe the Assumption of Mary.