Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Mary
Table of Contents
References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Antonello da Messina: Madonna and Child Antonello da Messina: Virgin Annunciate Virgin and Child Albin Egger-Lienz: Madonna (Mother and Child)
The story behind Madonna with the Long Neck
Fra Filippo Lippi: Madonna and Child Holy Family Antonello da Messina: The Virgin Mary Reading Master of Flémalle: Virgin and Child Virgin and Child
For Students
Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A
Pop Quiz: 19 Things to Know About Christianity
Mary summary
Quizzes
Christmas tree, holiday, pine
How To Celebrate Christmas Quiz
Related Questions
Read Next
Marriage. A couple getting married during a church wedding ceremony. (religion, ceremony, bride, groom)
The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic church
Candles Burning On Table In Church
What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?
The three children, Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia, who saw the vision of Fatima in Portugal. Our lady of Fatima, saint, Christianity.
Our Lady of Fátima
Agnes with a lamb near her feet. St. Agnes (Saint Agnes) design drawing for stained glass window by J&R Lamb Studios, ink, mount size 10.5 x 14.5 in.
Roman Catholic Saints
Saint Francis Xavier baptizing the infidels by an unknown painter, 18th century; in the collection of the Museo Nacional de Arte, Mexico City, Mexico.
How did St. Francis Xavier shape Catholicism?
Discover
Chinese pictograph, calligraphy tablet of Huang Tingjian, a famous calligrapher in Ancient Song Dynasty. The background of Chinese cultural elements.
The World’s 5 Most Commonly Used Writing Systems
July, 2006, Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121. See attached for full caption information.
Will Light-Speed Space Travel Ever Be Possible?
Statue of Nostradamus
Nostradamus and His Prophecies
Illustration for Demystified "How Dangerous is Quicksand"
How Deadly Is Quicksand?
Space race (1957-1969) infographic between United States (U.S.) and Russia. America, Soviet Union, U.S.S.R., space exploration
Timeline of the Space Race, 1957–69
Ahura Mazda - relief of the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda at the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. Also known as Ormazd Zoroastrianism,
Which Religion Is the Oldest?
African Americans demonstrating for voting rights in front of the White House as police and others watch, March 12, 1965. One sign reads, "We demand the right to vote everywhere." Voting Rights Act, civil rights.
Timeline of the American Civil Rights Movement

Mary: Facts & Related Content

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/facts/Mary-mother-of-Jesus
Written and fact-checked by
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of  Encyclopædia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them.
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

The Latest: Francis is remembered as a ‘pope among the people’ as he is laid to rest • Apr. 26, 2025, 2:12 PM ET (AP)
What to know about the funeral and burial of Pope Francis • Apr. 26, 2025, 7:23 AM ET (AP)
Pope's burial place reflects his 'humble, essential' life, Rome's poor will pay him a final tribute • Apr. 25, 2025, 10:52 PM ET (AP)
Pope Francis worried about greeting crowd in St. Peter's Square but was thankful he did, report says • Apr. 22, 2025, 1:36 PM ET (AP)
In 50-plus years at a cliffside Greek island monastery, one monk keeps faith and community together • Apr. 8, 2025, 3:04 AM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As Blessed Virgin Mary • the Virgin Mary • St. Mary • The Madonna
Flourished c.25 BCE - c.75
Notable Family Members spouse Saint Joseph • father Saint Joachim • mother Saint Anne • son Jesus

Photos and Videos

Antonello da Messina: Madonna and Child
Antonello da Messina: Virgin Annunciate
Virgin and Child
Albin Egger-Lienz: Madonna (Mother and Child)
Fra Filippo Lippi: Madonna and Child
Holy Family
Antonello da Messina: The Virgin Mary Reading
Master of Flémalle: Virgin and Child
Virgin and Child
“The Virgin of the Rosary”
The story behind Madonna with the Long Neck
See All Videos and Images →

Related Topics and References

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic
Caravaggio: The Conversion of St. Paul (second version)
St. Paul the Apostle
Christian Apostle
St. Peter the Apostle
St. Peter the Apostle
Christian Apostle
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Syrian bishop
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Christian theologian
St. Damasus I
St. Damasus I
pope
Leo I
St. Leo I
pope
Saint Zosimus
pope
Liberius
Liberius
pope
St. Sylvester I
pope
Pelagius
Christian theologian
St. Clement I
pope
St. Dionysius
pope
Saint Simplicius
Italian saint
St. Stephen I
pope
Simeon Stylites, Saint
St. Simeon Stylites
Christian monk
St. Victor I
pope
St. Bartholomew, stained-glass window, 19th century; St. Mary's Church, Bury St. Edmunds, Eng.
Saint Bartholomew
Christian Apostle
Paul of Samosata
bishop of Antioch
Saint Siricius
pope
St. Callixtus I
St. Callixtus I
pope

Related Quizzes and Features

Quiz
Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A
Pop Quiz: 19 Things to Know About Christianity
Christmas tree, holiday, pine
How To Celebrate Christmas Quiz