Pray with
St Mariam of Jesus Crucified
1846-1878
St Mariam of Jesus Crucified was born in the Holy Land to poor parents, who died when she was three. She was brought up by a wealthy uncle until her refusal of an arranged marriage incurred his wrath, forcing her to leave his home and seek work for several years as an itinerant servant. She experienced all the extraordinary supernatural phenomena one can imagine. She had an extraordinary devotion to the Holy Spirit, following His inspirations in all things. She was exceptional for her humility, her hard work, her love of Jesus and Mary, and her obedience. She died at 33 after all fall whilst supervising the building work on Bethlehem Carmel which she helped found.
In 1874 she was asked what acts she made at the end of her prayers. She answered as follows:
‘Holy Spirit, enlighten me. What I have to do and how I am to act in order to find Jesus? The disciples were quite ignorant; they were with Jesus and did not understand Jesus… The least thing disturbs and agitates me; I am too sensitive; I am not generous enough to offer sacrifices to Jesus. O Holy Spirit, when You gave them a ray of light, the disciples disappeared they were no longer what they were before; their strength had been renewed; sacrifices have become easy for them; they knew Jesus better than when He was with them.Source of peace and light, come give me light; I am hungry, come feed me; I am thirsty come quench my thirst; I am blind, come give me sight; I am poor, come enrich me’ (in Buzy, p. 119).
In May 1869 she received in an ecstasy the following prayer, which she recited and recommended to others:
‘Holy Spirit inspire me, Love of God consume me. Along the true road guide me. Holy Mother Mary, look upon me. With Jesus bless me. From all evil, all illusion. From all danger preserve me’ (in Buzy, p. 119).
She received the following request and promise from the Lord:
‘I desire ardently that the priests say a monthly Mass in honour of the Holy Spirit; whoever will say it or hear it will be personally favoured by the Holy Spirit; such a one will have light and peace.’