Her life:
+ According to legend, Mary of Egypt was a prostitute who experienced a miraculous conversion after encountering an icon of the Virgin Mary outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Good Friday.
+ As an act of penance, Mary went to live alone in the Palestinian desert.
+ Saint Mary of Egypt was discovered by Saint Zosimus, a priest, who brought her Holy Communion. One year later, to fulfill a promise, Zosimus returned to give her Communion again but found she had died.
Fun fact:
During the Middle Ages, Mary of Egypt was one of the most celebrated saints, especially because she was considered a model of penitence. Images of her can be found in churches throughout Europe, especially in France, Belgium, England, and Spain.
Quote:
“A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.”—Psalm 51:12
Prayer
O God, who see that in our weakness we fail, mercifully restore us to your love by the example of your Saints. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Men and Women—For Any Saint)
And today we celebrate...