Quote of the day, 8 February: St. Mary of Jesus Crucified

The Near-Martyrdom of St. Mary of Jesus Crucified
Alexandria, Egypt, 7 September 1858

The biographer of St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, Bétharram Father Pierre Estrate describes the attempted murder of Mariam Baouardy by a Muslim fanatic: “With a kick, he knocked Mariam to the ground, and, seizing his scimitar, he slashed her throat. Aided by his mother and wife, the barbarian wrapped the child in her large veil and, under the cover of darkness, carried her outside and cast her into a secluded place. It was September 7, 1858. While this crime was being carried out on Mariam’s body, her soul was caught up in a rapture.”

It seemed to me that I was in Heaven. I saw the Blessed Virgin, the angels, and the saints welcoming me with great kindness; I also saw my parents among them. I contemplated the radiant throne of the Holy Trinity and Our Lord Jesus Christ in His humanity. There was no sun, no lamps, yet everything was brilliantly illuminated. I was filled with joy at what I saw when, all of a sudden, someone came to me and said: “You are a virgin, it is true, but your book is not yet finished.”

Scarcely had these words been spoken when the vision vanished, and I returned to myself. I found myself, without knowing how or by whom I had been taken there, in a small, solitary grotto. Lying on a poor bed, I saw beside me a nun who, in her charity, stitched the wound on my neck. I never saw her eat or sleep. She was always standing by my bedside, caring for me with the utmost affection and in silence. She was dressed in a beautiful sky-blue habit, transparent and shimmering like moiré; her veil was the same color. I have since seen many different religious habits, but none that resembled hers.

How long did I stay in that place? I cannot say with certainty; I believe it was about a month. I ate nothing during that time—at rare intervals, the nun would only moisten my lips with a sponge as white as snow. It is true that she made me sleep almost continuously.

On the last day, this nun served me a soup so delicious that I have never tasted anything like it. When I had finished my portion, I asked for a second serving. Then, breaking her silence, the nun said to me:

“Mariam, this is enough for now; later, I will give you more. Remember well not to be like those people who think they never have enough. Always say: ‘It is enough,’ and the good God, who sees all, will always watch over your needs. Be always content, no matter what you may have to suffer, and God, who is so good, will send you what is necessary. Never listen to the devil; be on your guard against him, for he is very cunning. When you ask something from the good God, He will not always grant it to you immediately, in order to test you and see if you still love Him just as much; then, a little later, He will give it to you—provided you are always content and love Him. Mariam, Mariam, never forget the graces the Lord has given you. When something distressing happens to you, remember that it is God’s will. Always be full of charity for your neighbor; you must love them more than yourself. You will never see your family again; you will go to France, where you will become a nun; you will be a child of St. Joseph before becoming a daughter of St. Teresa. You will receive the Carmelite habit in one convent, make your profession in a second, and die in a third, in Bethlehem. Your parents will look for you; you yourself will be tempted to reveal your identity. Guard yourself well against this, or else you will have no more soup. You will suffer greatly in your life; you will be a sign of contradiction.”

Father Estrate concludes his account, saying: “Mariam had been healed, but the mark of the large wound remained clearly visible on her neck, as credible witnesses were able to observe even at her death, which occurred twenty years later.”

Father Pierre Estrate, S.C.I. de Béth.

Chapter II, Sa guérison miraculeuse (excerpt)

Note: For many years, Father Estrate was the spiritual director of St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, beginning at the Carmel of Pau, France.

Estrate, P 1913, Vie de Marie de Jésus Crucifié, 1816-1878: Religieuse Carmélite Converse, Morte En Odeur de Sainteté Au Carmel de Bethléem et Enseignements Recueillis Pendant Ses Extases, Jacques Lecoffre, Paris.

Translation from the French text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.

Featured image: This photo of Mariam was taken in August 1875 before her departure from France for the Holy Land. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites

#autobiogaphy #BlessedVirginMary #ecstasy #Egypt #healing #mariamBaouardy #martyrdom #StMaryOfJesusCrucified