After the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary, His mother, was present at His death, standing near the cross along with the apostle John and other women, including Mary Magdalene
. Jesus entrusted Mary to John's care before He died, instructing John to look after her, which John did by taking her into his home
. This indicates that Mary lived with John, likely in Jerusalem initially, and possibly later in Ephesus, where John ministered
. The Gospels do not provide detailed information about Mary's life after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, so much of what is believed comes from tradition and church history. It is generally accepted that Mary remained with the early Christian community and was part of the group of believers in Jerusalem
. Some traditions hold that she lived about 11 years after Jesus' death, passing away around 41 AD
. According to Catholic tradition, Mary was assumed bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life, an event known as the Assumption, and was crowned as Queen of Heaven
. This belief is supported by the visions in the Book of Revelation and longstanding church teaching, although it is not explicitly detailed in the Bible
. In summary:
- Mary was cared for by John after Jesus' death
- She likely lived in Jerusalem and possibly Ephesus with John
- She was part of the early Christian community
- Tradition holds she was assumed into heaven at the end of her life
The exact details of her later life remain largely unknown from Scripture and rely on tradition and historical inference.