Mary helps an infamous sinner, Mary: Day 053

Last updated on: September 12, 2015 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Mary helps an infamous sinner, Mary: Day 053 2015-09-07T06:06:01-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Mary helps an infamous sinner

St. Alphonsus recalls the story of St. Mary of Egypt, whose conversion was enabled in part by seeing a picture of Mary in a church.

At the age of twelve, St. Mary of Egypt ran away from home and went to Alexandria. There she led an infamous life and was a scandal to the whole city. After living for sixteen years in sin, she decided to go to Jerusalem. The Feast of the Holy Cross was being celebrated. Moved by curiosity rather than devo- tion, she decided to enter the church. But at the door she felt herself repelled by an invisible force. She made several attempts but was unable to enter. Finding her efforts in vain, the unfortunate creature withdrew to a corner of the porch. There, enlightened from above, she understood that it was because of her infa- mous life that God had repelled her from the church. In that moment she fortu- nately raised her eyes and beheld a picture of Mary.

As soon as she saw it, she exclaimed, sobbing: “Mother of God, pity a poor sinner! Because of my sins I don’t deserve for you to look upon me. But you’re the refuge of sinners; for the love of your Son, Jesus, help me! Allow me to enter the church, and I promise to change my life and go do penance wherever you show me.” She immediately heard an interior voice, as the Blessed Virgin replied: “Since you turned to me, and you wish to change your life, go; enter the church. It’s no longer closed to you.” The sinner entered, adored the cross, and wept bitterly. She then returned to the picture and said, “Lady, I’m ready. Where do you want me to go do penance?”

“Cross the Jordan,” the Blessed Virgin replied, “and you’ll find the place of your rest.” So she went to Confession and Communion, and then passed over the river. Finding herself in the desert, she understood that it was the place where she should do penance for her sinful life.
—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Are there particular images of Our Lady that inspire me to greater devotion? Have I placed throughout my home images of Jesus, and of Mary and other saints, as reminders of their presence and care for me?

CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Mother, just as an artist has painted your portrait lovingly to inspire my devotion, so God has created you lovingly as the masterpiece of his creation, to inspire my gratitude and devotion.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

A Year with Mary

Paul Thigpen

Saint Alphonsus Ligouri

Saint Benedict Press

Previous Post

September 11, 2015

Hospital for sinners, Mary: Day 052

Next Post

September 13, 2015 Mary will never abandon anyone, Mary: Day 054

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz