St. Mary of Egypt

St. Mary of Egypt was a great penitent who abandoned a sinful life to live in extreme asceticism in the desert. She is an icon of repentance and God's boundless mercy. After living for decades in solitude, she was discovered by a monk named Zosimas, who heard her story of conversion.

Mary of Egypt was born in the 4th century in Egypt. As a young woman, she lived a life of extreme immorality in Alexandria, engaging in reckless pleasure. At the age of 29, she joined a group of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Holy Cross. She did not go for religious reasons but continued her sinful ways.

Upon reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, she attempted to enter but found herself physically unable to do so, as if an unseen force was blocking her way. Struck with deep remorse, she prayed before an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for forgiveness and vowing to change her life. After making this promise, she was able to enter the church and venerate the Cross.

Mary then retreated into the desert beyond the Jordan River, where she lived for nearly 47 years in solitude. She endured extreme hardships, relying on God’s grace and consuming only what nature provided. She was discovered near the end of her life by a monk named Zosimas, who heard her confession and later brought her the Holy Eucharist. When he returned the following year, he found her body lifeless, with a note requesting burial.

St. Mary of Egypt is venerated as a model of true repentance. Her feast day is celebrated on April 1 in the Roman Catholic Church and the Fifth Sunday of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Feast Day

1-4-

Birth Date

--344 AD

Died Date

-4-421 AD

Canonised Date

--

Near the Jordan River

"Saint Mary of Egypt, who overcame temptation and sin with God's grace, pray for us. Help us to turn away from our worldly desires and embrace a life of repentance, humility, and holiness. Intercede for us, that we may grow in faith, purity, and love for God. Amen."
ST. MARY OF EGYPT

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ST. MARY OF EGYPT

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