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Saint Mary was the daughter of Joachim and Anna, who had been married for many years; however, they did not have a child. They persistently prayed, until God answered their prayers and blessed them with a baby girl, whom they named Mary.
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In thanks, the parents brought Saint Mary, who was three-years old, to the Temple of God to be raised there. During her time at the Temple, Saint Mary led a righteous life. When Saint Mary was a teenager, she was bethrothed to Saint Joseph, who was of the house of David.
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One day, the Archangel Gabriel visited Saint Mary and addressed her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women... you have found favor with God, and behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus" (Luke 1:28-31). Saint Mary was surprised but humbly accepted the will of God.
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After Angel Gabriel visited, Saint Mary and Saint Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. Since they had nowhere else to stay, they spent the night in a stable, where Baby Jesus was born.
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Even after Jesus's birth, Saint Mary lived a faithful life as a righteous and loving mother. She was present during important points of Jesus's life, including His first miracle, encounters with His disciples, and His crucifixion.
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After Saint Mary's earthly life was over, Jesus took her into Heaven to prevent the decomposition of her body, since He dwelt in her womb. Saint Mary's passing away is not referred to as her death, but rather as her dormition, or falling asleep. She is remembered as the Theotokos, which means God-bearer.
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