Macrine la Jeune
v. 327-379 4th century Feast day: July 19
Intelligence placed at the service of faith, and peace before death in one who has loved God since childhood.
Who was Macrine la Jeune?
Elder sister of Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa, born in Cappadocia into a family that would give the Church several saints. Betrothed very young, she refused another marriage after her fiancé's death and gave herself to God, turning the family estate at Annisa into a community of prayer where mistresses and servants lived as equals. At her death her brother Gregory recorded her last conversations on the soul and the resurrection, and the prayer she whispered as she died.
In their own words
Thou, O Lord, hast freed us from the fear of death.
Thou hast shown us the way of resurrection, having broken the gates of hell, and brought to nought him who had the power of death.
O eternal God, to Whom I have been attached from my mother's womb, Whom my soul has loved with all its strength, give me an angel of light to lead me to the place of refreshment.