The name “Mary” is used 54 times in the New Testament. The name Mary comes from the Latin and Greek names Maria and Mariam. No matter how many Marys there were, each had a role in the story of salvation. Study about all the Marys to learn how each on participated in Jesus’ mission.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the most well-known Mary in the Bible. She births the Savior for us and cared for him throughout his life. Jesus’ mother was one of three Marys present at his crucifixion. We see these Marys close to Jesus at the end in the gospels of Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40, and John 19:25.

Mary Magdalene was also present at the cross. She is also known for being the first to see Jesus risen from the dead and reporting the news to the disciples. Her name comes from the city Magdala on the coast of the Sea of Galilee where she was from. This Mary is known for having had seven demons cast out of her by Jesus and then becoming his faithful follower (Luke 8:2). Mary Magdalene recognized the Risen Jesus when he pronounced her name.

Who was the third Mary at the cross? Matthew’s gospel speaks of a Mary who was the mother of Joseph and James, while John’s gospel tells of Mary, the wife of Cleophas. Some say they are the same woman. Along with Mary Magdalene, this other Mary was also one of the first witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection (Mark 16:1 and Luke 24:10).

More Marys in Scripture. Mary of Bethany was a personal friend of Jesus who enjoyed his company at her home along with her siblings Martha and Lazarus (who was raised from the dead by Jesus). Before Jesus was arrested, he had his feet anointed with costly oil by this Mary. The New Testament tells of still another Mary, the mother of John Mark, who opened her home to the believers for prayer (Acts 12:12). In his letter to the Romans (16:6), St. Paul sends greetings another disciple named Mary, praising her dedication in serving the church in Rome.

A Cloud of Witnesses. Make a list of the Marys that you know. Search the Saints Resource for Marys who are canonized by the Church. Ask students to research other admirable women named Mary in modern times.

Treasuring Our Names: Stop a moment and imagine Jesus calling you by name. Remind students, “You received your name officially at baptism. The priest asked your parents, ‘What name will you give your child?’ Then you were baptized, addressed by that name.”

Art Project: Celebrate your name. Write the letters of your name on a paper, then decorate the letters however you wish. Add color, lines, shapes, or symbols to decorate and celebrate your name. Display the name-icons in the classroom.

Blest Are We Faith in Action Connections: For more opportunities to highlight our personalized call to discipleship, check your grade level program index for ideas related to the theme of Baptism and Vocation.