(1846-1878) Born to a poor Greek Melchite Catholic family, 12 of Mary’s 13 brothers died in infancy, and her parents died when she was two. Raised by an uncle in Alexandria, Egypt, she refused an arranged marriage and worked as a domestic servant. A co-worker tried to convert her to Islam, and when she refused, he slit her throat and dumped her in an alley. The Virgin Mary treated her wounds, and Mary survived. She eventually became a Carmelite and was deeply devoted to the Holy Spirit. Mary experienced many supernatural gifts, including stigmata, levitation, prophecy, knowledge of consciences, and dialogue with her guardian angel.

Mary’s life sounds tragic and spectacular, yet she remained humble, faithful, and devoted to the Holy Spirit, both in good and bad circumstances. We see the need for “humility” in Step 7, but it is essential throughout our entire recovery and faith life.

“The proud person is like a grain of wheat thrown into water: it swells, it gets big. Expose that grain to the fire: it dries up, it burns. The humble soul is like a grain of wheat thrown into the earth: it descends, it hides itself, it disappears, it dies; but to revive in heaven” (Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified).

Reflection by Brad Farmer