St. Marian
St. Marian
When they lived:
St. Marian’s life graced the pages of history during the early 3rd century, around the years 240 to 290 AD.
Where they lived:
St. Marian’s footsteps echoed in the ancient city of Antioch, situated in the Roman province of Syria, a bustling metropolis renowned for its cultural diversity and strategic significance.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 AD): St. Marian lived through a tumultuous period marked by political instability, economic decline, and military struggles within the Roman Empire. This era saw multiple emperors rise and fall, contributing to widespread chaos and uncertainty.
- Galen’s Medical Pioneering (129-216 AD): Amid the chaos, the renowned physician Galen’s works laid the foundation for modern medicine. His contributions to anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology significantly advanced the understanding of the human body and medical practices during St. Marian’s lifetime.
- Diocletian’s Reforms (late 3rd century AD): St. Marian lived through the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who attempted to stabilize the Roman Empire through economic reforms, administrative restructuring, and religious policies. His efforts reshaped the empire’s governance and religious landscape.
- Expansion of the Silk Road: St. Marian’s era witnessed the expansion of the Silk Road trade network, fostering cultural exchange between the East and West. The exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies along this ancient route had a profound impact on global civilizations.
- First Recorded Pandemic (Antonine Plague, 165-180 AD): Though preceding St. Marian’s time by a few decades, the Antonine Plague’s effects lingered. This early pandemic, possibly caused by either smallpox or measles, left a scar on the Roman Empire and contributed to its changing dynamics.
Their patronage:
St. Marian stands as the patron saint of resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Their life embodies the spirit of endurance and faith during times of upheaval, drawing strength from their unwavering commitment to their beliefs. St. Marian’s legacy serves as an inspiration for those navigating challenges in their own lives, teaching us that even in the midst of chaos, the light of hope and determination can shine brightly.
Early Life History
Marian, known as Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, was born on September 8, 18 BC. She was a 1st-century Galilean Jewish Woman from Nazareth. According to the apocryphal Gospel of James, Mary was the daughter of St. Joachim and St. Anne. It is stated that Anne had been barren for a long time, and she was of advanced age when she gave birth to 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 of Holies is impossible, as this would have constituted blasphemy for ancient Jews.
Furthermore, some apocryphal accounts state that Mary was betrothed to Joseph when she was between 12 and 14 years old. Joseph was of advanced age. According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary could have been betrothed when she was about 12 years old.
Miracle Conception
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, who was a virgin at that time, and informed her that the Holy Spirit would make her conceive and that she would give birth to Jesus, the son of God. The angel told Mary to name her son Yeshua, which means salvation.
Just before the betrothal ceremony, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. He planned to secretly leave her, but the angel of God told him not to leave her because the pregnancy was by the Holy Spirit. He told him not to hesitate to take Mary as his wife, and this paved the way for 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 a long time and was of advanced age. Elizabeth was the wife of a priest named Zechariah. Mary visited her, and upon her arrival, she was addressed by 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 register for a Roman census. He went to Bethlehem with Mary, and on arrival, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger because the local inn was full.
According to the gospel of Matthew, Joseph was warned in a dream that King Herod wanted to kill all infant boys, including baby Jesus. Herod had been informed that a newborn child was to be a king, and he felt threatened. Joseph and Mary fled by night to Egypt and lived there for some time. When Herod died, they returned to Nazareth in Galilee and lived there.
Mary was mentioned a few times in the New Testament when she was with Jesus. She was present when Jesus performed his first miracle during a wedding at Cana. At her suggestion, Jesus changed water into wine. She was also present among the women at the crucifixion, standing near the disciple 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 41 AD. On June 25, 1997, Pope John Paul II said that Mary died of natural causes before her assumption into heaven.
Feast Day
There are numerous feast days for St. Mary. However, there are two prominent feasts in the General Roman Calendar. On January 1, there is Mary, the Holy Mother of God’s feast day. On February 2, there is the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Candlemas.
Differences in feasts are influenced by doctrinal issues. A good example is the Feast of the Assumption. There is a lack of agreement among all Christians on the circumstances of the death or Assumption of Mary. Therefore, the feast of assumption is celebrated among some denominations but not others.
Patronage
Mary serves as the patron saint of all human beings, watching over them with motherly care. This is due to her role as the mother of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Marian
- Mary was 12 years old when she was engaged to Joseph and 13 when she
gave birth to Jesus. - She was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. The Holy Spirit made
Mary conceive. - Mary was instrumental in calling Jesus to perform his first miracle at
a wedding in Cana. He turned water into wine. - According to Eastern Christian teachings, Mary’s tomb was found
empty after her body and soul ascended to heaven. - 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 among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
