Where was Mary the mother of Jesus buried?

Answer 1

The Blessed Virgin Mary was believed to be buried in Kidron Valley, on the foothills of Mount of Olives. There is, however, no body because she was Assumed body and soul into heaven either just before her death (the position taken by most Roman Catholics), or shortly after (the position taken by Eastern Catholics and Orthodox; this is called 'The Dormition of the Theotokos')

There are two tombs that are attributed to Mary. The first is a tomb located in the Kidron Valley, on the foothills of Mount of Olives, near the Church of All Nations and Gethsemane garden, originally just outside Jerusalem. Another possible tomb of the Virgin Mary is near Ephesus. We do not know which, if either, of these tombs is the correct one. However, if Mary had a tomb into which she was placed, it was not used for long, if at all.

There are two thoughts here and the Church has left this question open:

1.) Mary did not die but was assumed, body and soul, into Heaven when her time on earth was completed.

2.) Mary did die and was buried. A short time (some say 3 days) after her death, she was assumed into heaven.

Neither of these answer contradicts the doctrine of the Assumption.

Answer 2

Catholic AnswerIt is the defined teaching of the Church that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven at the end of her life. Remember death is the punishment for sin. And The Blessed Virgin, alone of all people (saving Our Blessed Lord, Himself) ended her life with no sin, she was Immaculately Conceived meaning that by God's gracious favor, she was untouched with original sin. Through her Son's death and resurrection, He spared her from the effects of sin that the rest of us must suffer. Consequently she was never buried.

Clarification:

The Doctrine of the Assumption leaves open the question if Mary died and was then taken a short time later into heaven or did she not die but was assumed into heaven at the end of her days on earth. Most theologians today go with the first scenario. The Orthodox Church calls this the Dormition of Mary - the falling asleep of Mary.

Apocryphal writings state that when Mary was on her death bed, all the apostles were notified and came to be with her in those final hours. Only Thomas was absent but he arrived three days later. He was taken to the tomb but it was found to be empty, only her burial cloths remained. This would parallel Our Lord's death and resurrection three days later.

Both Jerusalem and Ephesus claim to have the tomb of Mary but there is no evidence to support either.

Answer 3

There are two tombs that are attributed to Mary. The first is a tomb located in the Kidron Valley, on the foothills of Mount of Olives, near the Church of All Nations and Gethsemane garden, originally just outside Jerusalem. Another possible tomb of the Virgin Mary is near Ephesus. We do not know which, if either, of these tombs is the correct one. However, if Mary had a tomb into which she was placed, it was not used for long, if at all.

There are two thoughts here and the Church has left this question open:

1.) Mary did not die but was assumed, body and soul, into Heaven when her time on earth was completed.

2.) Mary did die and was buried. A short time (some say 3 days) after her death, she was assumed into heaven

Answer 4

Mary's tomb is in Jerusalem and another in Ephesus, but she is not buried in either, as her body was assumed into heaven after her death, like Jesus, so her tomb is empty. It is not known which tomb was used, possibly neither. Mary was either assumed into heaven without having to die or she died and was assumed shortly thereafter. Both views are possible and allowed by the Catholic church.

Answer 5

Mary's tomb is in Jerusalem and another in Ephesus, but she is not buried in either, as her body was assumed into heaven after her death, like Jesus, so her tomb is empty. It is not known which tomb was used, possibly neither. Mary was either assumed into heaven without having to die or she died and was assumed shortly thereafter. Both views are possible and allowed by the Catholic Church.

Answer 6

Mary was not buried she was assumed body and soul into heaven by Christ

Another Answer:

The New Testament Scripture does not mention the death and burial of the mother of Jesus, Mary. It is Jesus who is the central figure doing His Father's work. But Jesus did say only He has ascended into Heaven as no one else is worthy now to do so (John 3:13). We all will be called to rise again and go through the Judgement Process - with a smaller number being judged in their lifetimes and will be changed and meet Christ in the air at His 2nd Coming - they are known as the firstfruits. Afterwards, God the Father and Heaven will descend to a new Earth and new Jerusalem for Eternity (Revelation 21).

Catholic Answer:

Current thinking by most Catholic biblical scholars is that Mary died a natural death, was buried and a short time later her body was taken into heaven to be reunite with her soul. This would mirror Christ's own death and Resurrection. Apocryphal writings state that when Mary was on her death bed, the apostles were summoned. All were present at her death except Thomas who arrived three days later. When he arrived he was taken to the tomb but it was empty, only the burial cloths remained. Two places claim to have the tomb of Mary - Jerusalem and Ephesus. There is no evidence to support either claimant.

The Doctrine of the Assumption states that Mary, because of her unique position as the Mother of Jesus, did not undergo corruption after her time on earth was completed but was taken body and soul into heaven. The doctrine leaves the question as to whether Mary died before the assumption open and either view is acceptable.