I have heard of many titles for Mary, but one I do not understand is “Ark of the Covenant.” What does that mean? The designation of Mary as “Ark of the Covenant” may seem puzzling at first, yet this lesser-known title for the Blessed Virgin is rooted in scripture and …

“Let’s talk about Mary,” I said, sitting in the office of my former Director of Religious Education (DRE). While I discerned whether to convert to Catholicism, my husband and I met one-on-one with our parish DRE for a couple of months. I still had a few things to clear up …

Visiting the Marian Library at the University of Dayton (UD) can involve more than looking at books as it is also known for its collections and special exhibits. “Mary in Catholic Education,” one such exhibit currently on display, exemplifies UD and Marian Library faculty, staff and students focused on sharing …

The Solemnity of the Annunciation celebrates the coming of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce to her the special mission God had chosen for her in being the mother of His only son. We are continually reminded of the importance of this feast to our salvation in …

By Jimmy Akin National Catholic Register, Apr 8, 2024 / 04:00 am Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation. Usually it’s celebrated on March 25, but this year March 25 fell during Holy Week, which superseded the observance. So the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops moved the celebration of …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Oct 27, 2023 / 13:19 pm Pope Francis consecrated the Church and the world to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a Eucharistic adoration prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, Oct. 27, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Holy Land. Invoking the …

The Catholic Church celebrates today the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary on its traditional fixed date of September 8, nine months after the December 8 celebration of her Immaculate Conception as the child of Saints Joachim and Anne. The circumstances of the Virgin Mary’s infancy and early life are …

By CNA Staff Washington D.C., Aug 15, 2023 / 02:30 am On Aug. 15, Catholics around the world mark the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, commemorating the end of her earthly life and assumption into heaven. But while the feast day is a relatively new one, the history of the …

Do Catholics believe that Mary remained a virgin her entire life? Did she have children other than Jesus? I have non- Catholic friends who say the Bible mentions Jesus’ siblings. The Scriptures and tradition convey information on Mary that help us understand the details of her life and her importance …

Whenever I think of Mary’s joy, I’m instantly reminded of the Joyful Mysteries: the Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of Jesus, Presentation in the Temple and Finding Jesus in the Temple. As I meditated on these events, however, I noticed a pattern: her joyful moments were also surrounded by suffering. This is, …