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Mary, Mother of Jesus Facts & Worksheets

Mary, also known as the Virgin Mary, is a central figure in Christianity and is believed to be the mother of Jesus.

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Mary, also known as the Virgin Mary, is a central figure in Christianity and is believed to be the mother of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament of the Bible, she was a young Jewish woman from Nazareth in the region of Galilee. Mary’s story is prominently featured in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

See the fact file below for more information about Mary, or you can download our 28-page Mary, Mother of Jesus worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ORIGINS

  • Mary was born in Nazareth, a small town in the region of Galilee in ancient Israel. The exact date of her birth is not specified in the Bible, and historical records are limited.
  • According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary’s family lineage traces back to King David through his son Nathan. Luke’s account provides a genealogy that connects Jesus to the lineage of King David and the Old Testament promises of a Messiah.

THE ANNUNCIATION

  • The Annunciation is a significant event in Christian tradition, commemorating the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The Annunciation is prominently featured in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26-38) in the New Testament of the Bible.
  • According to the Gospel account, the Annunciation took place in the town of Nazareth, where Mary lived. She was a young Jewish woman who was betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of King David. 
  • The angel Gabriel, who serves as a messenger of God, appeared to Mary, greeting her with the words, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
  • Upon seeing the angel, Mary was troubled and perplexed by his greeting. The angel then reassured her, saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 
  • He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.”
  • Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement was a testament to her faith and humility. She asked how this could happen, as she was a virgin. 
  • The angel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, making her pregnancy a miraculous and divine conception. The angel then added, “Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”
  • Despite the extraordinary nature of the announcement, Mary submitted herself to God’s will with complete trust, responding, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” 
  • Her willingness to accept this divine calling, even with the potential societal repercussions, demonstrated her unwavering faith and obedience to God.
  • The Annunciation marks the beginning of the Incarnation, the belief that God took on human flesh and entered the world as Jesus Christ to redeem humanity.
  • This event fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, as Mary’s virgin birth aligned with the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, which stated, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

KEY EVENTS IN MARY’S LIFE

  • The Visitation: Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith (Luke 1:39-56).
  • The Nativity: Mary gives birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, and he is placed in a manger since there was no room in the inn. Angels announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds, who come to worship the newborn child (Luke 2:1-20).
  • Presentation in the Temple: Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as was required by Jewish law (Luke 2:22-38).
  • The Flight to Egypt: To protect Jesus from King Herod’s plan to kill all male infants, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with Jesus until it is safe to return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:13-15).
  • Finding Jesus in the Temple: When Jesus is twelve years old, Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem for the Passover. On their way back, they realize Jesus is not with them and find him in the temple, where he is discussing with teachers (Luke 2:41-52).
  • Wedding at Cana: At a wedding feast in Cana, Mary asks Jesus to help when the wine runs out. Jesus performs his first public miracle, turning water into wine (John 2:1-11).
  • Witnessing Jesus’ Ministry: Throughout Jesus’ public ministry, Mary is present at several key moments, including his teachings, healings, and interactions with various people.
  • Crucifixion and Resurrection: Mary stands at the foot of the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion, witnessing his suffering and death (John 19:25-27). 
  • Pentecost and After: Mary is among the disciples gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ ascension, waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. She is present at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1-4).

IMPORTANCE IN CATHOLIC WORSHIP

  • In Catholic worship, Mary holds a position of great importance and is venerated as the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. 
  • Her significance is derived from her unique role as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and her exemplary life of faith and obedience to God’s will. 
  • The Catholic Church’s devotion to Mary is based on both scriptural references and longstanding traditions that have developed over centuries. Here are some key aspects of Mary’s importance in Catholic worship:
  • Mother of God (Theotokos): One of the central beliefs in Catholic theology is Mary’s title as the “Mother of God” or “Theotokos” in Greek. This term emphasizes that Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is fully God and fully human. 
  • The belief in the divine maternity of Mary was formally defined at the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, affirming her unique role in the Incarnation.
  • Model of Faith and Virtue: Mary is seen as the perfect model of faith and virtue for all Christians to emulate.
  • Her unwavering trust in God’s plan, her humility, obedience, and selflessness serve as an example for believers striving to live a life of holiness and closeness to God.
  • Intercessor and Mediatrix: Catholics believe that Mary is a powerful intercessor and mediatrix, able to intercede on behalf of believers before God. 
  • Many Catholics turn to her in prayer, seeking her intercession for various needs and intentions. The “Hail Mary” prayer is one of the most common prayers used to seek her intercession.
  • Mother of the Church: The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) emphasized Mary’s role as the “Mother of the Church.” Just as she was intimately connected to the life of Jesus, the Church sees her as caring for and nurturing the faithful as a mother does for her children.
  • Feasts and Devotions: Mary is honored with various feast days and devotions throughout the liturgical year. Some of the notable feasts dedicated to her include the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1), the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8).
  • Rosary Devotion: The Rosary is a popular Catholic devotion centered on the repetition of prayers while meditating on key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. The prayers often include the “Hail Mary” and the “Our Father.” The Rosary is seen as a way to draw closer to Christ through the intercession of Mary.
  • Pilgrimages and Shrines: Catholics often make pilgrimages to Marian shrines and places associated with Marian apparitions. Notable shrines include Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, and Guadalupe in Mexico. These places hold special significance for believers seeking spiritual healing, guidance, and blessings.
  • Devotion to the Immaculate Heart: Catholics also express devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, representing her purity, love, and compassion. This devotion is often associated with her appearances at Fatima, where she called for prayer, penance, and conversion.
  • It’s important to note that while Mary is highly venerated in Catholic worship, Catholics believe in the worship of God alone (latria). Veneration of Mary and the saints is referred to as hyperdulia, which is a higher form of honor distinct from the worship due to God.

IMPORTANCE IN OTHER CULTURES

  • Mary is highly venerated in various cultures and Christian traditions. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, she is “Theotokos” and central in liturgy. In Islam, she is respected as Maryam, a virtuous woman. Coptic Christians in Egypt revere her, and in Latin America and the Philippines, she is deeply integrated into the culture with processions and festivals. 
  • Indigenous beliefs blend with Marian devotion in some regions. Across diverse cultures, Mary’s universal appeal lies in her representation of love, compassion, and intercession, transcending denominational and religious boundaries.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Mary, Mother of Jesus across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. Mary’s story is prominently featured in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Mary, Mother of Jesus Facts
  2. “Blessed Among Women”
  3. Culture of Marriage
  4. Marian Feasts
  5. Marian Devotions
  6. Hail Mary of the World
  7. The Power of Prayer
  8. The Annunciation Illustrated
  9. Miracle Mothers
  10. Travel to Bethlehem
  11. Appearances in Fatima

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Mary?

Mary, also known as the Virgin Mary, was a Jewish woman from Nazareth in ancient Israel. She is a central figure in Christianity and is believed to be the mother of Jesus Christ.

How is Mary described in the Bible?

In the Bible, Mary is described as a young, devout Jewish woman who was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus through a miraculous conception. She is often depicted as humble, obedient, and faithful to God’s plan.

What is the Immaculate Conception?

The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine in Catholic theology that asserts that Mary herself was conceived without original sin. This is distinct from the conception of Jesus (the Annunciation), where she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th.

What role did Mary play in the life of Jesus?

Mary played a crucial role in the life of Jesus. She gave birth to him, raised him, and provided guidance and support throughout his life. Mary is often referred to as the “Mother of God” and is highly revered in Christian tradition.

How is Mary honored in various Christian traditions?

Mary is honored in various ways across Christian traditions. In the Catholic Church, she is venerated as the “Blessed Virgin Mary” and has numerous feast days dedicated to her. The Orthodox Church also holds a special place for Mary, referring to her as the “Theotokos” (Mother of God). Many Protestant denominations hold her in high esteem as well, although the level of veneration varies. Marian devotions, such as the Rosary, are common ways for Christians to express their devotion to Mary.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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