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Key Facts: Born in Jerusalem, Mary was presented in the Temple and took a vow of virginity. She was visited by the archangel Gabriel, who announced to her that she would become the Mother of Jesus, by the Holy Spirit.She became betrothed to St. Joseph and went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was bearing St. John the Baptist. Acknowledged by Elizabeth as the Mother of God, Mary intoned the Magnificat. Mary and St. Joseph went to Bethlehem where Mary gave birth to Jesus.Mary was present at the Crucifixion and was with the disciples in the days before the Pentecost. The belief that Mary's body was assumed into heaven is one of the oldest traditions of the Catholic Church.
