In the representation of Mary, virginity transcends the physical and becomes a symbol of profound inner purity and liberation from passions.

Mary's Virginity Reimagined: A Symbol of Spiritual Purity

In the representation of Mary, virginity transcends the physical and becomes a symbol of profound inner purity and liberation from passions. It refers to a state of the soul that is capable of turning to God while remaining unburdened by earthly desires, making her a true bearer of a spiritual mission.

In this interpretation, physical inaccessibility gives way to spiritual integrity and a luminous connection with the divine. Mary emerges as the embodiment of an ideal, where her virginity is perceived not so much through the lens of bodily condition, but rather as an indication of her soul’s ability to aspire toward the holy. This perspective allows her role to be understood beyond the confines of traditional marriage, through a symbolic connection with Joseph, who was chosen for guardianship rather than as a spouse in the conventional sense. This chosen guardian, whose presence is associated with the image of the Holy Spirit, reflects how divine intervention transforms relationships, bestowing mystical power and the wondrous immaculate conception.

Thus, this inspiring interpretation emphasizes that the true meaning of virginity lies in spiritual endowment rather than in physiological aspects. Mary is presented not merely as a bearer of physical purity, but as a symbol of the highest spirituality and divine presence. This concept casts aside contemporary stereotypes, offering a profound understanding of a sacred mission rooted in a connection with the highest divine principle.

How can the concept of Mary’s virginity be interpreted in light of questions about her relationship with Joseph and the Holy Spirit?

In interpreting Mary’s virginity, attention is directed primarily to her inner, spiritual purity and freedom from passions, rather than solely her physical inaccessibility. This understanding manifests as a state of soulful integrity, where virginity becomes a sign of the soul’s capacity to aspire to God while remaining free from any “erotic” subtext. For example, one source emphasizes:

"Virginity here is not merely a physical state. It is, above all, a unique inner sensibility, without which bodily virginity yields no benefit... Virginity is freedom from passions, the true essence of spiritual life. Freedom from passions and 'desires'—a liberation from the sway of thoughts, an inability to succumb to evil..." (source: link txt)

The relationship between Mary and Joseph in this context is construed not as a traditional marital union marked by physical intimacy, but as a connection founded on symbolic guardianship and appointment: Joseph was chosen as a guardian rather than a complete husband in the conventional sense. This is highlighted as follows:

"Joseph was chosen as Mary's guardian-spouse, as a dove flew from his staff—an image meant to evoke in believers the Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus..." (source: link txt)

In this manner, her virginity is intertwined with a divine endowment, implying the wondrous immaculate conception through the action of the Holy Spirit. Here, distancing from traditional modern conceptions of marriage is facilitated by Joseph essentially remaining a guardian and not the biological father of the child, thereby preserving the mystical nature of the sacred conception. This positioning emphasizes that despite the formal connection with Joseph, it is the relationship with the divine origin, personified through the Holy Spirit, that becomes central to understanding her virginity.

This interpretation demonstrates that the physical aspect is secondary to the spiritual mission and symbolism underlying Mary’s role as the bearer of purity, distinct from ordinary human relationships.

Supporting citation(s):
"Virginity here is not merely a physical state. It is, above all, a unique inner sensibility, without which bodily virginity yields no benefit... Virginity is freedom from passions, the true essence of spiritual life..." (source: link txt)

"Joseph was chosen as Mary's guardian-spouse, as a dove flew from his staff—an image meant to evoke in believers the Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus..." (source: link txt)