Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much.

In the fourth century, St Mary ran away to Alexandria. She lived a dissolute life not out want but for the thrill of breaking the rules. A mid-life pilgrimage to Jerusalem and a miraculous intervention provided an unexpected change of life. While trying to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, she found herself barred by an invisible force, experienced a visionary exchange with the Theotokos and had profound conversion of heart. After entering the church to make her thanksgiving, she fled to the Jordanian desert to live a life of ascesis, penance and prayer.

8 x 10”