St. Mary of Egypt
Egyptian penitent and hermitess (c. 344-c. 421), Alexandrian prostitute for seventeen years who, restrained from entering the Holy Sepulchre by an unseen power, repented and crossed the Jordan to live as a hermitess in the Judean desert for forty-seven years. Subject of a famous Vita by Sophronius of Jerusalem. Pre-Congregation; her story is read in Eastern monasteries during the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.
Life & Times
Born: c. 344 · Died: c. 421 · From: Egypt / Holy Land.
Patronage
St. Mary of Egypt is invoked as the patron of penitents, converts, chastity, desert ascetics. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Believe me, I tremble lest the words I have spoken should reproach me on the day of judgment.”— Recorded in St. Sophronius of Jerusalem's 'Life of Mary of Egypt' (7th century), her words to Abba Zosimas in the desert
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Mary of Egypt, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.