The story of their life
Mary listened as a disciple, wept before Jesus after Lazarus’s death and anointed him with costly perfume despite criticism.
Saint1st century · Feast July 29
St Mary of Bethany
Also known as Mary of Bethany, Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus, Saint Mary of Bethany
Disciple of the Lord
Friend of Jesus
A disciple remembered for listening at Jesus’s feet, grieving her brother and offering an extravagant act of love.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Mary belonged to the Bethany household and should not automatically be identified with Mary Magdalene.
Defining moments
- Sitting at Jesus’s feet
- Weeping after Lazarus’s death
- Anointing Jesus with costly perfume
- Receiving criticism for devotion
Faith and spirituality
Contemplative listening, emotional honesty and generous love that recognises the value of presence.
Why this saint matters today
Well suited to contemplative people, mourners and those whose quiet devotion is dismissed as impractical.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St Mary of Bethany in matters of:
Contemplatives
People grieving a sibling
Those criticised for devotion
A prayer
Lord Jesus, through St Mary of Bethany’s intercession teach us to listen deeply, love generously and remain close to you in grief. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-02/pope-francis-martha-mary-lazarus-inserted-roman-calendar.html
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/07/29.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype