QUIZ: How much do you know about the Assumption of Mary?

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is today, August 15. Many Catholics are aware of days, such as the Solemnity of the Assumption, but how much do you really know about the day and event? Try your hand at these questions. (The answers are at the end of the article)

1.)    What exactly is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

a.       The teaching of when Mary visited Elizabeth

b.      The teaching of when Mary died

c.       The teaching of when Mary’s body was taken up to heaven

d.      The teaching of when Mary requested the water be turned into wine by Jesus

2.)    Is it a holy day of obligation in the United States?

a.       No, only feasts, Advent, Lent, and Easter are holy days

b.      Yes, because it has to do with Mary

c.       No, because it is not an infallible teaching

d.      Yes, solemnities are holy days of obligation

3.)    Who declared the teaching as infallible in the Church?

a.       Pope John Paul II

b.      Pope Urban VIII

c.       Pope John XXIII

d.      Pope Pius XII

4.)    Is the teaching of the Assumption of Mary “ex cathedra”?

a.       No, it was declared as truth to be accepted but not “ex cathedra”

b.      No, it is not declared an infallible teaching

c.       Yes, it was declared by a pope and as infallible

d.      Yes, because it is spoken about in Sacred Scripture

5.)    If Mary was assumed into heaven, did she die?

a.       No, assumption means she went directly to heaven when her life was over

b.      No, Sacred Scripture says Mary never died

c.       Yes, it is the common teaching of the Church that Mary died and then was assumed after her death into heaven

d.      Yes, her body was found in Jerusalem

6.)    Where in Sacred Scripture is Mary’s assumption stated?

a.       All 4 Gospels in the New Testament speak of her assumption

b.      Only the book of St. Matthew speaks of her assumption

c.       The Bible does not talk about Mary’s Assumption directly

d.      The books of St. Mark and St. John both speak of it

7.)    Is Mary’s assumption different from Jesus’ ascension?

a.       Yes, Jesus ascended into heaven in front of a crowd of people and only the disciples saw Mary ascend

b.      No, Jesus and Mary had the same kind of event and both were assumed into heaven

c.       Yes, they were two separate events and did not happen at the same time

d.      Yes, because Jesus was God and ascended into heaven under his own power and authority since he was God and Mary was assumed into heaven because               she did not have the power to take herself to heaven

8.)    How many assumptions are there noted in the Bible?

a.      2

b.      5

c.      1

d.      3

9.)    Who, other than Mary, was assumed into heaven according to Scripture?

a.       St. John, St. Paul, Enoch and Elisha

b.      Enoch and Elisha

c.       St. John the Baptist, St. John

d.      King David, Moses, and Elisha

10.)   What’s the difference between a solemnity and a feast day?

a.       A solemnity is more important than a feast day and most of the time is considered a Holy Day of Obligation

b.      There is no difference. They’re both treated equally in the Church, except for Lent and Advent

c.       A feast day is more important than a solemnity because it recognizes saints throughout history

d.      A feast day is only held during holy seasons such as Lent and Advent and a solemnity is held all throughout the year

How well did you do? It’s important for us to know the faith as fully as possible in order to share the faith effectively with others who are not Catholic. This is meant to be more than a “pop quiz”, but is intended to allow you to evaluate your knowledge of the faith and, hopefully, inspire you to learn more.

Answers:

1.)    C

2.)    D

3.)    D

4.)    C

5.)    C

6.)    C

7.)    D

8.)    A

9.)    B

10.)  A