A Virgin conceiving, a Virgin bearing, a Virgin pregnant, a Virgin bringing forth, a Virgin perpetual. Why do you wonder at this, O man?" St. Augustine of Hippo, "Sermon 186," c. 411 A.D.

Mary’s skin reflected their skin color, Mary’s hair signaled to the Aztecs that she was a virgin, and the black sash indicates pregnancy. There have been other extraordinary findings ...

GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — The month of May is dedicated to Marian celebrations, so here’s a look at the history and traditions about Mary and why praying to her means so much to so many.

There are “Black” Virgin Marys — dark-skinned paintings and statues like Brazil’s much beloved Virgin of Aparecida . In rare icons, she’s represented pregnant or as an older woman.

Hail Mary, full of grace: Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO The Associated Press,Updated May 17, 2025, 2:08 p.m.

Hail Mary, full of grace: Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary By: Giovanna Dell'orto, The Associated Press Posted: 12:10 AM CDT Saturday, May. 17, 2025 Last Modified: 5:31 AM CDT ...

Since the 19th century, May has been devoted to the Virgin Mary — though already in Greek and Roman times, goddesses of fertility were celebrated in this month of springtime blooming, she added.

There are “Black” Virgin Marys — dark-skinned paintings and statues like Brazil’s much beloved Virgin of Aparecida. In rare icons, she’s represented pregnant or as an older woman.

How Mary is represented, however, varies greatly across time and places, Harris added. There are “Black” Virgin Marys — dark-skinned paintings and statues like Brazil’s much beloved Virgin of ...