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Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus in Christianity and a central figure in Christian theology and devotion.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus in Christianity and a central figure in Christian theology and devotion. In most Christian traditions, she is honoured as a virgin who conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, and some traditions also teach her perpetual virginity and the Immaculate Conception. The Virgin Mary is important in Canadian Christianity, especially in Roman Catholic and Eastern Christian communities, and is reflected in churches, schools, feast-day observances, and Marian devotions across Canada.

Biblical account

The canonical Gospels of Matthew and Luke identify Mary as Jesus' mother and describe the conception of Jesus as miraculous, associating it with the Holy Spirit rather than sexual relations. Mary also appears in narratives of Jesus' birth, crucifixion, and the early Christian community.

Christian doctrine

Different Christian traditions interpret Mary's role differently, but many affirm her virginal conception of Jesus. Catholic and Orthodox traditions also emphasise titles such as Mother of God and, in some cases, perpetual virginity. In Catholic teaching, Mary is honoured as Mother of God and is said to have been conceived without original sin. Some Christian traditions teach the perpetual virginity of Mary, while others reject it.

Veneration and feasts

Mary is widely venerated in Christianity, with numerous feast days and devotional practices associated with her. Major observances include the Feast of the Nativity of Mary and the Feast of the Assumption in traditions that celebrate them. Mary is a major figure in Christian liturgy, art, prayer, and devotion.

Theological significance

Mary is often presented as a model of faith, obedience, and humility in Christian theology. Her place in doctrine varies by denomination, especially on issues such as the Immaculate Conception and perpetual virginity. Her exact historical birth date is not known in Christian tradition.

Key facts

  • Mary is the mother of Jesus and is described in the New Testament as a virgin at Jesus' conception.
  • Christian traditions differ on doctrines such as perpetual virginity and the Immaculate Conception.
  • Mary is a major figure in Christian liturgy, art, prayer, and devotion.
  • She is widely venerated with numerous feast days including the Nativity of Mary and the Assumption.
  • In Canada, Mary is important in Roman Catholic and Eastern Christian communities.
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Canadian context

The Virgin Mary is important in Canadian Christianity, especially in Roman Catholic and Eastern Christian communities, and is reflected in churches, schools, feast-day observances, and Marian devotions across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Virgin Mary?
She is the mother of Jesus in Christianity and a major figure in Christian belief and devotion.
Why is Mary called the Virgin Mary?
Because Christian tradition says she conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit while remaining a virgin.
Is the Virgin Mary the same as Mary, mother of Jesus?
Yes. The title “Virgin Mary” is commonly used for Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Do all Christians believe Mary remained a virgin?
No. Catholic and Orthodox traditions generally teach perpetual virginity, while many Protestant traditions do not.
What is the Immaculate Conception?
In Catholic teaching, it is the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.
Is Mary mentioned in the Bible?
Yes. She appears in the Gospels, especially Matthew, Luke, and John, and is also mentioned in Acts.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary,_mother_of_Jesus
    Supports: New Testament identification of Mary as Jesus’ mother; virgin conception tradition; key Christian doctrines and titles.
  2. Vatican — https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_one/section_two/chapter_three/article_9/paragraph_6_mary_-_mother_of_christ,_mother_of_the_church.html
    Supports: Catholic teaching on Mary as Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
  3. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/126/
    Supports: Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
  4. Catholic Culture — https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=5665
    Supports: Catholic teaching on Mary as ever-virgin/perpetual virginity.