Nothing is written in the canonical scriptures about Mary before the Annunciation.  What we have is early Christian writers' accounts of her life.  Some sources say that Mary was greeted by the high priest Zechariah as Anne and Joachim presented her at the Temple.  Other ancient traditions indicate Mary was taught by the prophetess Anna, to whom she was presented in her early life.  It is not difficult to imagine that out of gratitude to God for giving them a daughter, the saintly parents dedicated to God the Father. However it happened, the writers indicate that Mary was being prepared by the Holy Spirit to develop in prayer, holiness, wisdom and humility so that she could take on her role in the great drama of salvation.

November 21 remains the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, recalling the consecration of a church in Jerusalem by that name. Built to commemorate he commitment to God, the building celebrates her inspiration by the Holy Spirit and her willingness to surrender herself totally to God's plan.