Which saint is the mother of Jesus?

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the saint traditionally identified as Jesus’ mother. She was a Jewish woman from Nazareth in Galilee and became one of Christianity’s most revered figures.

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke describe Mary as a virgin who conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Luke presents the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel tells her that she will bear the Messiah. Mary then visits her relative Elizabeth and delivers the Magnificat, a hymn of praise that became central to Christian worship. She is also present at Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, and, according to Acts, with the disciples after his ascension.

Different Christian traditions give Mary different titles and doctrines. The Council of Ephesus in AD 431 affirmed the title Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” Catholic and Orthodox traditions also emphasize her holiness, while Catholic teaching includes the Immaculate Conception and Assumption. Mary should not be confused with Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, or Mary of Egypt, who are separate women in Christian tradition.