The
dogma of the
Assumption was
defined (put into
doctrine) by
Pope Pius XII's
ex-cathedra invocation of
papal infallibility in 1950, and taught in
Catechism 966. Nothing was said on whether or not
Mary died or was
assumed while still
living. In the 5th century
Christians celebrated a
feast on August 15 called the "Memorial of Mary," that in the next century came to be called "
Mary's Dormition" or "falling asleep." This eastern feast was adopted by
Rome in the 7th
century and its title changed to the "
Feast of the Assumption." (http://www.monksofadoration.org)
Essentially, the Assumption of the BVM means that Catholics believe that Mary floated up into heaven with her skin, bones, hair and blue dresses intact.
I wonder how she showers .