Skip to content

The “Holy Wedding Ring” of the Virgin Mary

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your bride, with you. For the child that is begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit.” 

These are the words of the Evangelist Matthew that narrate the moment of the marriage between Mary and Joseph. A feast that, since the 15th century, the Catholic Church has celebrated every year on January 23. 

According to a popular tradition, Joseph gave Our Lady a gold ring, known today as the “Holy Ring.” Following in the footsteps of tradition, the wedding ring that Joseph gave to Mary today is kept in a chapel in Perugia’s Cathedral of San Lorenzo. 

A tradition that still fascinates and increases popular devotion. 

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

The remarkable life and papacy of Blessed Pope Pius IX

On Feb. 7, the Catholic Church remembers Blessed Pius IX, “Pius Nono,” the 255th pope. His pontificate is

Full text: Homily of Cardinal Reina on third day of Novendiales

On April 28, 2025, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, delivered the following homily during the third day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV: God ‘cannot be enlisted by darkness’

During a pastoral visit to a Rome parish, the pope warned against invoking God to justify violence. Pope
Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to migrants lost at sea in a ceremony at the port of Arguineguín in Spain’s Canary Islands on June 11, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘examination of conscience’ on migrants at Canary Islands port

ARGUINEGUÍN, Canary Islands — Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called for an “examination of conscience” on migration during

Pope Francis thanks Vatican journalists for reporting on scandals in the Church

Pope Francis thanked the Vatican press corps on Monday for reporting on scandals in the Church with “delicacy”

Pope Marks Word of God Sunday Amid 2025 Jubilee Events: ‘God’s Word Walks With Us’

Pope Francis marked the Sunday of the Word of God by installing 40 Catholics from multiple continents as lectors during a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, including faithful from Iceland to the Philippines.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com