Mary was a first-century Jewish woman from Nazareth who, according to the Gospels, was chosen by God to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
: The belief that Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. Major Feast Days blessed virgin
The is a central figure in Christianity, particularly within Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, where she is venerated as the Mother of God ( Theotokos ). This guide explores her identity, key teachings (dogmas), and how she is honored through feast days and prayer. Who is the Blessed Virgin? Mary was a first-century Jewish woman from Nazareth
: Confirmed at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), asserting that because Jesus is God, Mary is truly the God-bearer. This guide explores her identity, key teachings (dogmas),
The Catholic Church recognizes four specific "dogmas" or essential truths about Mary:
: The teaching that she remained a virgin throughout her entire life.
: From the Cross, Jesus entrusted her to his disciple John (and symbolically to all believers), leading to her title as Mother of the Church .