How Mary became the most powerful woman in the world

MARY’S RISE Monday, August, 28, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we trace the rise of the mother of Jesus, look at the powerful benefits of a Mediterranean diet ... and question why cougars are attacking wolves—and winning. Plus, an indelible moment in U.S. history, 60 years ago today.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIANA MARKOSIAN “They have no wine,” the Bible says she told her son at a wedding. Her son, in his first reported miracle, created wine. Mary barely speaks in the New Testament, but now, 2,000 years after her life, people venerate her worldwide. Early this month, Masses were held (above, in Poland) celebrating her assumption into heaven. Miracles have been ascribed to her. “She is my mamá,” Pope Francis once said. How did she become the most powerful woman in the world? AVE MARIA

Saint of saints: For centuries, Mary—Our Lady of Guadalupe—has been Mexico’s patron saint. Each December thousands of image-laden pilgrims like Felipe Méndez (at left) and Esther Silva trek to her shrine in Mexico City. After days or weeks of walking, they offer thanks and pray for her help or blessing. Read on.

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

PHOTOGRAPH BY GIANLUCA COLLA, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Why is the Mediterranean diet so powerful? (Above, a spread including feta cheese, bread, and vegetables) These pirates left the Caribbean behind—and stole the biggest booty ever Why did India land near the moon’s south pole? Here’s how dogs are able to read the moods of humans

How to talk to kids about hate crimes Why alcohol is killing more women than ever before The surprisingly strange history of the Pledge of Allegiance This 9,000-year-old necklace is remarkable. Who wore it is even more surprising. This is how a tiny nation feeds the world The season’s first hurricane is headed toward Florida. Here’s how these storms form—and how to best prepare

PHOTO OF THE DAY

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES P. BLAIR ‘We Will Overcome’: On this day in 1963, more than a quarter of a million people attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. The event gathered together people nationwide to protest segregation, inequality, and economic injustice. James P. Blair’s photos, which weren’t part of any official National Geographic coverage and have rarely been published, offer a unique glimpseinto one of the most iconic moments in the country’s history. Related: Still, ‘a fractured and traumatized nation’? SEE THE PHOTOS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPH BY BOB GIBBONS/ALAMY Chain of command: Something odd is happening in the animal kingdom in Washington State: Cougars, like the one above, are ambushing and killing wolves. The big question is why? Staff members of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have documented cougars killing six collared wolves since 2013—almost 30 percent of the 21 documented natural wolf mortalities in the state. “That’s huge if that trend holds,” one biologist tells us. ANIMAL WARFARE

LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTOPHE FOUQUIN, REA/REDUX Care for your hair: The hair care industry is worth billions, but beyond regular washing, you may be surprised that no one thing is actually needed to keep your hair healthy. Learn what the experts have to say. Related: Your hair is surprisingly recyclable WHAT WE KNOW

Today’s soundtrack: Yesterday Is Here, Tom Waits Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! It was curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, and David Beard. Want to let us know your thoughts? Send away: david.beard@natgeo.com. Happy trails!

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