Mary, mother of Jesus

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke describe her as a virgin chosen by God to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. She gave birth in Bethlehem, raised him with her husband Joseph in Nazareth, stood at his crucifixion in Jerusalem, and remained with the apostles after his ascension. The Bible says nothing of her later life, but Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition holds that her body was assumed into heaven at its end. Venerated since early Christianity as the holiest of saints, she became the subject of distinct dogmas — the Immaculate Conception, perpetual virginity, her role as Theotokos.…