St. Marian

Early Life History

St Marian, known as Mary the virgin mother of Jesus was born onSeptember 8 18BC. She was a 1st Century Galilean Jewish Woman ofNazareth. According to the apocryphal Gospel of James, Mary was thedaughter of St Joachim and St Anne. It is stated that Anne had beenbarren for a long time, and she was of advanced age when she gave birthto Mary.

When Mary was 3 years old, she was given to be of service in the Templein Jerusalem. However, the idea that she was allowed in the Holy ofHolies is impossible as this would have constituted blasphemy forancient Jews.

Furthermore, some apocryphal accounts state that Mary was betrothed toJoseph when she was between 12 and 14 years old. Joseph was of advanced age.According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary could have been betrothed whenshe was about 12 years old.

Miracle Conception

Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary who was a virgin at that time andinformed her that the Holy Spirit will make her conceive and she willgive birth to Jesus, the son of God. The angel told Mary to name her sonYeshua which means salvation.

Just before the betrothment ceremony, Joseph discovered that Mary waspregnant. He planned to secretly leave her, but the angel of God toldhim not to leave her because the pregnancy was by the Holy Spirit. Hetold him not to hesitate to take Mary as his wife and this paved a wayfor their marriage.

Mary was later told by the angel Gabriel that her relative Elizabeth,the mother of John the Baptist, was pregnant. She had been barren for along time and was of advanced age. Elizabeth was the wife of a Priestcalled Zechariah. Mary visited her and upon arrival, she was addressedby Elizabeth as the mother of her Lord.

The Roman Emperor Augustus declared that a census was to be held.Therefore, Joseph had to return to Bethlehem, his hometown to registerfor a Roman census. He went to Bethlehem with Mary and on arrival, Marygave birth to Jesus in a manger because the local inn was full.

According to the gospel of Matthew, Joseph was warned in a dream thatKing Herod wanted to kill all infant boys including baby Jesus. Herodhad been informed that a newborn child was to be a King and he feltthreatened. Joseph and Mary fled by night to Egypt and lived there forsome time. When Herod died, they returned to Nazareth in Galilee andlived there.

Mary was mentioned a few times in the New Testament when she was withJesus. She was present when Jesus performed his first miracle during awedding at Cana. At her suggestion, Jesus changed water into wine. Shewas also present among the women at the crucifixion standing near thedisciple whom Jesus loved, along with Mary of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.

Death of Mary

Mary lived for 11 years after the death of Jesus and died in 41AD. On 25June 1997 Pope John Paul II said that Mary died of natural causes beforeher assumption into heaven.

Feast Day

There are numerous feast days for St Mary. However, there are twoprominent feasts in the General Roman Calendar. On January 1, there isMary the Holy Mother of God feast day. On February 2, there is thepurification of the Blessed Virgin Mary also known as Candlemas.

Differences in feasts are influenced by doctrinal issues. A good exampleis the Feast of the Assumption. There is a lack of agreement among allChristians on the circumstances of the death or Assumption of Mary.Therefore, the feast of assumption is celebrated among somedenominations and not others.

Patronage

Mary serves as the patron saint of all human beings, watching over themwith motherly care. This is due to her role as the mother of JesusChrist, the saviour of the world.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Marian

1. Mary was 12 years old when she was engaged to Joseph and 13 when she
   gave birth to Jesus.
2. She was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. The Holy Spirit made
   Mary conceive.
3. Mary was instrumental in calling Jesus to perform his first miracle at
   a wedding in Cana. He turned water into wine.
4. According to Eastern Christianity teachings, Mary’s tomb was found
   empty after her body and soul ascended to heaven.
5. Mary, just like her husband Joseph, was a descendant of King David.

Prayer to St. Marian

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongwomen and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother ofGod, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.