Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified Pau France, (Marie
Baourdi) 1878
Feastday 25th August
Born 1846
Died 1878
Born to Giries Baouardy and Mariam Shahine, a poor Greek Melchite Catholic family. Twelve of her thirteen brothers died in infancy, and Mary's birth was an answered prayer to Our Lady. Her parents died when Mary was only two, and she was raised by a paternal uncle. Moved to Alexandria, Egypt at age eight. Betrothed in an arranged marriage at age 13, she refused to go along with it, insisting on a religious life. As punishment for her disobedience, her uncle hired her out as a domestic servant, making sure she had the lowest and most menial of jobs. A Muslim servant with whom she worked began to act as her friend with an eye to converting her from Christianity. On 8 September 1858, Mary convinced him she would never abandon her faith; he cut her throat and dumped her in an alley. Mary lived, an apparition of the Virgin Mary treated her wound, and she left her uncle's house forever. She supported herself as a domestic, working for a Christian family and praying. In 1860 she moved in with the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Supernatural events began to occur around her, and the Sisters would not let her join their house. She was taken to the Carmel at Pau by a Sister in 1867, and became a lay sister. Later that year she entered the cloister, taking the name Mary of Jesus Crucified, and making her final profession on 21 November 1871. She continued to experience supernatural events. She fought off a demonic possession for 40 days, received the stigmata, was seen to levitate, had the gift of prophecy and knowledge of consciences, and permitted her guardian angel to speak through her. Helped found the missionary Carmel of Mangalore, India. Returned to France in 1872. Built a Carmelite monastery in Bethlehem in 1875. Supernatural gifts aside, she was known for her devotion to the Holy Spirit, even sending word to Pope Pius IX that the Spirit was not emphasized enough in seminaries. 1
1. Taken from the Patron Saints Index at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm6j.htm
“All
nations will be shaken by war and civil revolution. During he three days of
darkness, the followers of the evil cause will be annihilated so that only one-fourth
of mankind will survive…” 1
“The
clergy, too will be greatly reduced in number, as most of them will die in the
defence of the faith or their country…” 2
References
1. Yves Dupont, Catholic Prophecy (Tan Books and Publishers 1970) p 80
2. Rev R. Gerald.
Culleton The Prophets and Our Times (Tan Books and Publishers 1941) p 206