Mother of JesusJesus (Greek form of Hebrew 'Joshua' meaning 'Yahweh [God] is salvation') Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded mainly in the Four Gospels although he is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus (c. 37-c.100) and the Roman historian Tacitus (c.110). and wife of Saint JosephJoseph, St Husband of the Virgin Mary. According to the Gospels a carpenter and descendant of David. The Protevangelium describes him as very old at the time of his marriage, a view reflected in the medieval cycle plays.. She is believed to have conceived Jesus through the agency of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit Or 'Holy Ghost'. Third person of the Trinity. alone, thus remaining a virgin. The Council of Ephesus (431) confirmed upon her the title of theotokos, ‘godbearer’The account of Mary’s life in the New TestamentNew Testament Writings produced by the Christian community c.50-100 and subsequently affirmed as authoritative by the church. See Canon of scripture. i. The Four Gospels.: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; ii. Acts (the Early Church); iii. Epistles (Letters to churches and individuals): Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude; iv. Revelation (Apocalypse). Description of the Heavenly Jerusalem. See also New Testament Apocrypha was amplified by apocryphal documents and doctrines concerning her person and role developed in succeeding centuries. Justin Martyr (d.c.165) contrasted Mary’s obedience with the disobedience of Eve, but the assertion that Mary, like her son, had been immaculately conceived (i.e. free from original sinOriginal Sin The state of sin which has characterised humankind since the Fall. The sacrament of baptism was believed to remit original sin, which was passed from parent to child because conception takes place as the result of sexual intercourse. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception maintained that the Virgin Mary, alone of all humans, had been born free of original sin.) was disputed throughout the Middle Ages. The Book of James (mid-2nd century) named her parents as Joachim and Anna and asserted her perpetual virginity. The belief that she did not die but was taken up bodily into heavenHeaven The dwelling-place of God and the angels and eventually all those who will live with God for eternity. was celebrated in the FeastFeast Special liturgical celebration to commemorate an event or saint. of the Assumption. FaithFaith 1. Belief and trust in someone or something. 2. Acceptance of particular religious teachings. in Mary’s powers as intercessor on behalf of sinful men and women was given fresh impetus by St Bernard (1090-1153) and she was popularly regarded as the Queen of Heaven.SeeSee The seat or area of responsibility of a bishop. also Joys and Sorrows of Mary. Feasts of the Blessed Virgin MaryVirgin Mary Mother of Jesus and wife of Saint Joseph. She is believed to have conceived Jesus through the agency of the Holy Spirit alone, thus remaining a virgin. The Council of Ephesus (431) confirmed upon her the title of theotokos, 'godbearer'The account of Mary's life in the New Testament was amplified by apocryphal documents and doctrines concerning her person and role developed in succeeding centuries. Justin Martyr (d.c.165) contrasted Mary's obedience with the disobedience of Eve, but the assertion that Mary, like her son, had been immaculately conceived (i.e. free from original sin) was disputed throughout the Middle Ages. The Book of James (mid-2nd century) named her parents as Joachim and Anna and asserted her perpetual virginity. The belief that she did not die but was taken up bodily into heaven was celebrated in the Feast of the Assumption. Faith in Mary's powers as intercessor on behalf of sinful men and women was given fresh impetus by St Bernard (1090-1153) and she was popularly regarded as the Queen of Heaven.See also Joys and Sorrows of Mary. Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Purification (February 2); Annunciation (March 25); Assumption (August 15); Nativity (September 8); Conception (December 8).: Purification (February 2); Annunciation (March 25); Assumption (August 15); NativityNativity Birth of Christ (September 8); Conception (December 8).