The Assumption of Mary is decisively different from Jesus’ resurrection.  The 1950 proclamation only speaks of Mary’s body and soul being assumed into heavenly glory.  It is affirmed theologically rather than historically.

The decisive force behind the declaration was that veneration for Mary was as an act of homage.  This dogma’s purpose was to honor of the Son, glorify the mother and make the Church rejoice.  It is not an act of worship but of veneration, of homage, of respect, of hope in the life to come.

What the Orient achieves in the form of Liturgy, the Occident does through dogmatic proclamation.  It should be understood what it is: a solemn type of hymnology.  It deals with the veneration to one who is alive, who is at home, who has actually arrived at her goal on the other side of death, of living with the Lord.  The gospel itself prophesies and requires veneration for Mary: “Behold, from henceforth all generations will call me blessed: and this is what the Church is doing.

Luke 1: 46 declares: “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever’.”