Mary, often referred to in scripture as the mother of Jesus Christ, holds a significant place in the narrative of the Book of Mormon as the virgin chosen to bear the Son of God. Prophets within the Book of Mormon foresaw her role and noted her distinct qualities. Nephi, a prophet who lived approximately 600 years before the birth of Jesus, was granted a vision of Mary. In this vision, Mary was described as “a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins” (1 Nephi 11:15). He observed that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing her status as a virgin and “a precious and chosen vessel” (Alma 7:10).
The name of Mary was revealed to King Benjamin who prophesied that “his mother shall be called Mary” (Mosiah 3:8). Her residence in Nazareth was also made known to Nephi during his vision (1 Nephi 11:13). The divine nature of Mary’s calling and her role in the plan of salvation as the earthly mother of Jesus Christ was affirmed, holding her in high esteem as the woman chosen to participate in the miraculous advent of the Savior. Her unique motherhood was underscored by the manner in which she would conceive, being overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, setting the stage for the birth of the Savior, who would be called Jesus Christ, “yea, even the Son of God” (Alma 7:10).