LUX VERITAS

Apocrypha · Chapter 15 of 25

Protoevangelium of James 15

Infancy of Mary

But, at that time, Annas, the scribe, came to Joseph's house, who said to him: 'Why did you not appear at our meeting?' Joseph answered: 'I was tired from the journey and decided to rest this first day.' But, upon turning around, Annas noticed Mary's pregnancy.

2Then he ran to the priest telling him: 'This Joseph, for whom you have vouched, has committed a grave offense.' And the priest asked: 'What do you mean by that?' To which Annas answered: 'Well, he violated that virgin whom he received from the temple of God.'

3And the priest began by saying: 'Mary, how could you do such a thing? What led you to vilify your soul and forget the Lord your God?' And she began to weep bitterly saying: 'I swear by the Lord my God that I am pure in his presence and that I have known no man.'

4Then the priest addressed Joseph saying: 'Why have you done this?' Joseph replied: 'I swear by the Lord my God, that I am pure with regard to her.' Joseph kept silent.

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About Protoevangelium of James

The childhood of Mary, the choosing of Joseph and the birth in a cave. It is the source of nearly all later Marian devotion — including the names Anne and Joachim.