Virgin Mary

Virgin Mary. The mother of Jesus of Nazareth, she is a central figure in Christianity and is also venerated in Islam. Christian teachings, particularly within Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Oriental Orthodoxy, accord her a unique status defined by doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and the Perpetual Virginity. Her life and virtues are detailed in the New Testament and extensively elaborated upon in later Christian theology, Mariology, and Christian art.

Biblical accounts

The primary sources are the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew, which describe the Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel and the Nativity of Jesus. The Gospel of John references her presence at the Wedding at Cana and the Crucifixion of Jesus. Other mentions include the Visitation to Elizabeth, the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, and the Flight into Egypt. The Acts of the Apostles notes her presence among the disciples after the Ascension of Jesus. These narratives form the core of her depiction in Christian tradition.

Christian doctrines

Major doctrines were formalized by ecumenical councils and papal authority. The First Council of Ephesus (431) affirmed the title Theotokos (God-bearer). The Dogma of the Immaculate Conception was defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854, while the Assumption of Mary was declared a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The Perpetual Virginity is held by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and many Protestant reformers like Martin Luther. These beliefs are distinct from general Christology but are integral to Mariology.

Veneration and titles

Veneration, or Mariolatry as termed by some critics, is especially prominent in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Key titles include Mother of God, Blessed Virgin Mary, and Queen of Heaven. Major prayers and devotions are the Hail Mary, the Rosary, and the Magnificat. Significant Marian feast days include the Feast of the Annunciation and the Feast of the Assumption. Prominent sites of pilgrimage are the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.

Apparitions and miracles

Reported Marian apparitions have often led to the establishment of major shrines and devotions. These include Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico (1531), Our Lady of Lourdes in France (1858), and Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal (1917). The Miracle of the Sun is associated with the latter. The Knock Shrine in Ireland and Our Lady of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also sites of reported apparitions. Such events are typically investigated by bodies like the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

In art and culture

She is a predominant subject in Western art, from Byzantine icons like the Theotokos of Vladimir to Renaissance masterpieces by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. Major works include the *Pietà* by Michelangelo and the *Immaculate Conception* by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. In music, she is referenced in compositions like Dvořák's Biblical Songs and Bach's *Magnificat*. Literary references appear in works by Dante Alighieri and Geoffrey Chaucer.

Category:Christianity Category:New Testament people Category:1st-century women