The Diocese of Phoenix celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 15.

“Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” the diocese posted online. “The dogma that Mary was assumed - body and soul - into heaven was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we made be made worthy of the promises of Christ.” 

Catholics celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary yearly on Aug. 15, according to catholic.org. 

"Looking at the Mother of God in glory, we understand that true power is service, that to reign means to love, and that this is the road to Heaven,” Pope Francis tweeted. 

Mary holds a unique position in Catholicism because as a human, she is included among those in need of God's saving, but as the Mother of God, she has received the gift of God's grace to an extent that surpasses all others, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explains. Mary's willingness to cooperate with God's plan places her in a crucial role in salvation. Catholics acknowledge Mary as a role model of discipleship and may ask for her intercession. 

Mary is honored on multiple feast days throughout the year, according to the Marians. Catholics celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13; the Visitation on May 31; the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Jan. 1; the Annunciation on March 25; and the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8.