If we consider the proper inclusive and not the figurative meaning for “brother” and “sister”, as it seems from the repetition of and reference to the name in different verses, that Joaquin and Hanna, the parents of Virgin Mary, had another daughter called “Mary”; no one knows if she was older or younger that the Virgin Mary, and that “Mary” was married to certain “Cleophas” and had two sons, called James the little and Jose. There is a consensus that Cleophas is Alphaeus, mentioned in Matt 10:3, Mark 2:14, 3:18, Luke 6:15, John 19:25. In Acts 1:13, we see two James, of whom one the son of Alphaeus.  Alphaeus is also the father of Levi, turned Apostle Matthew. There is another disciple with the name Cleophas, we find in the story of Emmaus in the narratives of Luke 24:18, but there is no information, beside conjecture, to link between the two. Some say that James, the son of Mary and Cleophas is the writer of the epistle, in the New Testament, carrying his name, while others say James, the brother of the Lord.

The questions worth asking: how probable those two sisters from same father and mother and the same household carry the same name? One Mary married to Cleophas, had two sons and named them: James “the little” and Jose, and before or after her marriage, the Virgin Mary and Joseph got married and produced four sons plus daughters, and decided to name the sons: James, Jose, Simon and Jude? Was addition of the title “the little” or in other translations ‘the lesser” or “junior” is to distinguish between two persons, because of age or rank, from two related families? Was Cleophas or Alphaeus the disciple on the road to Emmaus, whom Jesus opened his eyes and mind?

Did Elizabeth jump start the “worship” of Mary and was the first to embrace such a practice by her statement: “And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spoke out with a loud voice, and said: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, as soon as the voice of your salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” And Mary said: “My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is His name.” (Luke 1:40-49). What, where, when and how and other questions shall remain without answers until we stand in the presence of God on High to share in His Glory and Mysteries.

The New Testament gives a glimpse of Mary, the Mother of the God-Man, Jesus, starting with the annunciation by the Angel of the Lord till after His Resurrection and Ascension, containing the above disputed Greek terms:

-          “Then said Mary unto the angel: “how shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her”  Luke 1:34 -38

-          “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together (Sunerchomai), she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying: “Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto you (Paralambano) Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins".” Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is”: “God with us”. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him (Paralambano) his wife And knew her (Ginosko) not till she had brought forth her firstborn son (Prototokos): and he called his name JESUS.” Matt 1:18-25

-          “To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said: “Hail, O highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women”. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her: “Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God, and, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”  Luke 1:27-33

-          “…and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, Then took he (Simeon) him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to Your word: For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things, which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother: “Behold, this is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel ; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; a sword shall pierce through your own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:27-35

-          “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the (wife) of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25

-          “Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.” Matt 27:56

-          “There were also women looking on afar off: among them was Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome.” Mark 15:40