Palestinian Foundress of the “Rosary Sisters” (1843-1927)
Her life
+ Maryam Sultanah was born in Jerusalem. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition at age 14.
+ Following a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary during a visit to Bethlehem, she helped establish a new religious community which she named the “Sisters of the Holy Rosary of Jerusalem.” She was known in religious life as Sister Marie-Alphonsine.
+ With her religious sisters, she spent the rest of her life serving the poor and educating Palestinian Christians.
+ Saint Marie-Alphonsine died in Jerusalem on March 25, 1927, and was canonized in 2015.
Spiritual bonus
The Sisters of St. Joseph the Apparition were established by Saint Emily de Vialar on December 25, 1832. Named in honor of Saint Joseph’s dream, the sisters currently serve as missionaries, pastoral ministers, educators, and caring for the sick and aged.
For reflection
“Sister Marie Alphonsine Danil Ghattas came to understand clearly what it means to radiate the love of God in the apostolate, and to be a witness to meekness and unity. She shows us the importance of becoming responsible for one another, of living lives of service one to another.”—Pope Francis at the canonization of Saint Marie-Alphonsine
Prayer
O God, who called blessed Marie-Alphonsine to seek your Kingdom in this world through the pursuit of perfect charity, grant, we pray, through her intercession that we may advance with joyful spirit along the way of love. 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 Religious)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...