Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure of Christianity, venerated under various titles such as Virgin Mary, St. Mary, Queen Mary, Queen of Heaven, Blessed Virgin Mary and Mother of Jesus Christ. She has the highest position in Islam among all women and is mentioned numerous times in the Quran.
In Christianity, Mary is commonly referred to as the Virgin Mary, in accordance with the belief that the Holy Spirit impregnated her, thereby conceiving her first-born son Jesus miraculously.
She has a number of feast days in various Christian traditions, several of which are holy days of obligation for Roman Catholics. Shrines to her that have become internationally famous as pilgrimage sites, where assorted miracles have supposedly occurred, include Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Loreto, Our Lady of Good Health and Our Lady of Medjugorje.
Mary is venerated with a special cult, called by St. Thomas Aquinas, hyperdulia, as the holiest of all creatures. The main events of her life are celebrated as liturgical feasts of the universal Church
Mary's life and role in the history of salvation is foreshadowed in the Old Testament, while the events of her life are recorded in the New Testament. Traditionally, she was declared the daughter of St. Joachim and St. Anne. Born in Jerusalem, Mary was presented in the Temple and took a vow of virginity. Living in Nazareth, Mary was visited by the archangel Gabriel, who announced to her that she would become the mother of Jesus, by the Holy Spirit
Pope Pius XII declared this belief Catholic dogma in 1950. The four Catholic dogmas are: Mother of God, Perpetual virginity of Mary, the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary. The feast of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15. The Assumption was the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. According to Pope Pius XII, the Virgin Mary "having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory."
The Blessed Virgin Mary may be taken as a patroness of any good activity, for she is often cited as the patroness of all humanity. Mary is also associated with protecting many occupations and locations
The Mother Mary painting in wooden frame of 8 feet height and 4 feet width, is made of oil paints and thread. This world-famous painting was brought from Belgium and presented by Bishop of Kollam, Aloysius Maria Benziger at the time of blessing of the altar of St. Mary’s church in the year 1914, was displayed in the centre of the church altar and was very beautiful.
“Hail Mary, full of Grace, The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
Pope Leo XIV declared on 15.10.2025 St. Devasahayam as the Patron of laity in India. There will be a function at St. Devasahayam Mount, Aralvoimozhi on 14.01.2026. Papal Nuncio
Holy flag procession from St. Mary’s Basilica, Mulagumoodu to St. Devasahayam Shrine, Puliyoorkurichi on 12th January 2026 Monday 5.00 pm. We welcome you all.
Every Wednesday at 10 am special prayer and Holy Mass in St. Mary’s Basilica, Mulagumoodu. We welcome you all.