Mary, the mother of Jesus

Cultural

Christians (see also Christian) refer to the mother of Jesus as the Virgin Mary, because, according to the New Testament, Jesus was miraculously conceived while she was a virgin. Mary is revered for her humility and motherly love. She is honored by all Christians, but particularly by Roman Catholics, who believe strongly in her mercy and her power to intercede with God. The Roman Catholic Church also teaches the doctrine of Mary's Immaculate Conception. (See Nativity.)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This week, he became the first president to formally recognize the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic holy day celebrating Mary, the mother of Jesus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

An extended Easter special focused on Mary, the mother of Jesus, is especially personal to Scorsese and incorporates home movies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

The moment came during the pope’s annual visit to the Spanish Steps, which falls on the Dec. 8 feast day dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

From Washington Times • Dec. 8, 2022

In the Catholic religious tradition, Mary the mother of Jesus acts as an intercessor - a mediator between God and humanity.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2017

The end-all mystery inside the bag was a small wooden picture of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023