Three gentle stories about the Mother of Jesus — drawn from Scripture and the great Catholic tradition. The girl chosen by God, the Mother who walks beside her Son, and the Queen of Heaven who still prays for us.
Story 1: Young Mary — The Girl Chosen by God
(From an early Christian tradition — the Protoevangelium of James.)
A long time ago, in the land of Israel, there lived a kind and faithful couple named Joachim and Anne. They loved God very much, but their hearts were sad — they had no children. They prayed every day for a child, and one day, God sent them a beautiful gift: a baby girl! They named her Mary.
Joachim and Anne were so thankful that they made a promise to God. They said, “We will give Mary back to You.” So, when Mary was just three years old, they brought her to the Temple in Jerusalem. That’s where people came to pray and worship God.
Little Mary grew up in the Temple, surrounded by prayers and songs to God. She was gentle, kind, and loved to help others. The priests saw how special she was. They believed God had a big plan for her.
When Mary turned about twelve, it was time for her to leave the Temple and be taken care of by someone good. God chose a kind man named Joseph to be her guardian. Joseph was a carpenter who lived in Nazareth. He promised to care for Mary and protect her.
Where this story comes from: This story isn’t in the Bible — it comes from an early Christian book called the Protoevangelium of James. The Catholic Church doesn’t treat it as Scripture, but it helps us understand how early Christians believed Mary was special from the very beginning.
Story 2: Mary and Jesus — A Mother’s Love
One day, when Mary was a young woman, something amazing happened. The Angel Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Mary was surprised! Gabriel told her she would be the mother of Jesus, God’s own Son.
Mary said yes to God: “Let it be done to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38). That’s when everything changed — she became the Mother of God.
Soon after, she visited her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56), who was also having a miracle baby: John the Baptist! When Mary arrived, Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you among women!” And Mary sang a beautiful song called the Magnificat, praising God for His goodness.
Mary gave birth to Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7). She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. Shepherds and wise men came to visit the newborn King.
As Jesus grew, Mary watched Him learn and grow strong. One time, when He was twelve, they found Him teaching in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52). Mary treasured all these things in her heart.
When Jesus was grown, He started His mission to teach people about God’s love. Mary was there at His first miracle at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1–11). When the wine ran out, she told Jesus, and He turned water into wine! She told the helpers, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Mary stayed close to Jesus, even when things were hard. She was there when He was carrying His cross, and she stood at the foot of the Cross when He died (John 19:25–27). Jesus looked at her and said to His disciple John, “Behold your mother.” He gave her to all of us as our spiritual mother.
After Jesus rose from the dead and went to heaven, Mary stayed with the Apostles and prayed with them (Acts 1:14). She was there when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost!
In the Bible
- The Annunciation — Luke 1:26–38
- The Visitation — Luke 1:39–56
- Jesus’ Birth — Luke 2:1–20
- Presentation in the Temple — Luke 2:22–38
- Finding Jesus in the Temple — Luke 2:41–52
- Wedding at Cana — John 2:1–11
- At the Cross — John 19:25–27
- Praying with the Apostles — Acts 1:14
Story 3: Mary — Queen of Heaven
After Jesus went back to Heaven, the Bible doesn’t tell us much more about Mary’s life. But the Church has remembered and taught about her for two thousand years.
Catholics believe Mary lived quietly, praying and loving the early Church. Then, at the end of her life, something very special happened. God brought her to Heaven — body and soul. This is called the Assumption. She didn’t go through the grave like we do. She was lifted up, just like her Son, Jesus.
Why do we believe this?
Because Mary was full of grace and never sinned, it makes sense that God would keep her close. The Assumption was officially declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950, but Christians had believed it for many centuries before. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption every year on August 15th.
Now, Mary is in Heaven with Jesus, and Catholics call her the Queen of Heaven and Earth. (Revelation 12:1 shows a woman crowned with stars — many believe this represents Mary.)
We believe she prays for us like a loving mother. That’s why Catholics say the Hail Mary and pray the Rosary — not to worship her, but to ask her to bring our prayers to Jesus.
Mary has even appeared to people around the world, reminding them to pray and love God. These are called apparitions:
- Our Lady of Lourdes in France
- Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal
- Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico
She always says the same message: “Pray, trust God, and love my Son.”
Journey with Mary, Path to Jesus 