St. Mary, Holy Mother of Egypt
The memory of this holy mother of Africa is celebrated throughout the world. She was born in Alexandria in the 5th century, and from the time she was twelve years old, lived as a prostitute.
One day, she saw a crowd of people heading for the docks and inquired of them their destination and purpose. Someone explained that they were sailing to Jersualem to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to venerate the true Cross.
Mary decided to accompany them and offered her body in exchange for passage. When she arrived at Jerusalem, she tried to enter the Church but something prevented her from entering. She tried several times without success. Soon she realized that it was because of her sinful life that she was denied entrance. Weeping, she came to her true repentance and promised God that if she were allowed to venerate the Holy Cross, she would leave her old ways behind and do as He willed. Mary was then able to enter the church. Afterwards, the Holy Spirit led her across the Jordan and into the desert, where she spent forty-seven years struggling against her passions and repenting of her former life.
A venerable African monk named Zosima found her in the desert and was told her story. He, in turn, recounted it to others. St. Mary died in 522 A.D. She is a model of deep change for all that see their need for God. The Church honors her on the 1st of April and especially on the 5th Sunday of Great Lent.
|
