St. Mary, Mother of God
c. 20 BC - c. 40 AD
📅 Feast Day: Jan 1
📖 Life Timeline
c. 20 BC
Born in Nazareth, descendant of King David
c. 18 BC
Engaged to St. Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth
c. 6 BC
Annunciation — Angel Gabriel announces she will bear the Son of God
c. 5 BC
Visits her cousin Elizabeth (Visitation)
c. 5 BC
Gives birth to Jesus in Bethlehem (Nativity)
c. 2 AD
Flight into Egypt to escape Herod's massacre
c. 27 AD
Presents 12-year-old Jesus in the Temple
c. 30 AD
Stands at the foot of the Cross (Crucifixion)
c. 30 AD
Present at Pentecost with the Apostles
c. 40 AD
Assumption — soul and body taken into Heaven
✝ Biography
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, is venerated with special cult (hyperdoulia) by the Catholic Church as the highest of God's creatures. Born a Jewish child and lineal descendant of the royal family of David, she was preserved from all stain of original sin at the first moment of her conception (Immaculate Conception, Dec 8). On March 25, the Angel Gabriel announced she was chosen to be Mother of God (Annunciation). On Dec 25 she gave birth at Bethlehem to the Word-made-flesh. On Jan 1 she is honored as Theotokos—Deipara—Mother of God. On Feb 2 she presented Christ in the temple (Purification). On July 2 she visited her cousin St Elizabeth (Visitation). On Aug 15 her soul and body were assumed into heaven (Assumption). She stood at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, when Christ committed her to the care of St John the Apostle. Her invocation pervades all Catholic devotion, public and private. The Rosary, Seven Sorrows, and numerous Marian apparitions (Lourdes, Fatima) are central to Catholic piety. Each nation and diocese venerates her under special titles, fulfilling her prophecy: 'All generations shall call me blessed' (Luke 1:48).
🛡 Patronage
Patroness of: The Universal Church, humanity, USA, Poland, Mexico, Canada, and countless dioceses worldwide.
💬 Words of the Saint
Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.
📜 Key Facts
Born
c. 20 BC, Nazareth
Died
c. 40 AD (Assumed)
Feast Day
Jan 1
Canonized
Pre-eminent from eternity
🕊 Legacy
The Rosary, Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe -- Mary's influence on Christianity is immeasurable. She is the model of faith, humility, and obedience.
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