Here are clear, concise bullet points on the life of Mary (often called St Mary):
-
Born in Nazareth (in present-day Israel)
-
Lived as a Jewish woman in the 1st century
-
Betrothed (engaged) to Saint Joseph
-
Visited by the angel Gabriel, who told her she would give birth to Jesus (the Annunciation)
-
Became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, according to Christian belief
-
Traveled to Bethlehem, where she gave birth to Jesus Christ
-
Placed baby Jesus in a manger because there was no room at the inn
-
Visited by shepherds and later by the Wise Men
-
Presented Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem
-
Fled to Egypt with Joseph and Jesus to escape King Herod
-
Later returned to Nazareth and raised Jesus
-
Present at key moments in Jesus’ life, including his first miracle at Cana
-
Witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion in Jerusalem
-
Believed by many Christians to have been present at the early Church after Jesus’ resurrection
-
Honored as a saint in many Christian traditions, especially in Catholic and Orthodox churches