Mariam Baouardy

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Mirjam Abbelin 4

Mariam Baouardy (1846–1878), also known as Saint Mariam of Jesus Crucified and The Little Arab, was a Catholic nun of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Born in Ibillin, in the region of Galilee, within the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Israel), her life was marked by extraordinary mystical experiences and miracles. Baouardy's deep spiritual life and the miracles attributed to her intercession led to her canonization as a saint by Pope Francis on May 17, 2015.

Early Life

Mariam Baouardy was born on January 5, 1846, to Greek Catholic parents from Lebanon. Orphaned before the age of three, she was adopted by a relative in Alexandria, Egypt. Despite facing numerous hardships, including a near-death experience and a miraculous healing which she attributed to the Virgin Mary, Baouardy's faith remained strong. At the age of thirteen, she moved to Jerusalem where she worked as a domestic servant.

Religious Life

In 1865, Baouardy experienced what she described as a call to religious life. After overcoming several obstacles, she entered the Carmelite Order in Pau, France, in 1867, taking the name Mariam of Jesus Crucified. She later helped to establish Carmelite monasteries in Mangalore, India, and Bethlehem, contributing significantly to the spread of the Carmelite Order in the Middle East.

Mysticism and Miracles

Baouardy is known for her deep mystical experiences, which included receiving the stigmata, visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, and engaging in spiritual battles with demonic forces. Her humility, obedience, and love for God were evident to those who knew her. Many miracles and healings have been attributed to her intercession both before and after her death.

Death and Canonization

Mariam Baouardy died on August 26, 1878, in Bethlehem. Her cause for canonization began in the 1920s but gained momentum in the late 20th century. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1983 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2015. Saint Mariam of Jesus Crucified is celebrated for her unwavering faith, her mystical experiences, and her dedication to the Carmelite Order.

Legacy

Saint Mariam Baouardy is remembered as a symbol of reconciliation and peace, particularly in her native Middle East. Her life and works continue to inspire many within the Catholic Church and beyond. She is particularly venerated in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, the Carmelite Order, and among Christians in the Middle East.