Saint Maron

Feast: February 9 in the Maronite rite and February 14 in the Byzantine rite

Saint Maron adorned the ranks of those saints who withdrew into solitude for the sake of God. He practised many forms of asceticism and mortification beneath the open sky, persevering in worship, fasting, prayer, night vigils, kneeling, prostrations, and contemplation of the perfection of God.

Who is Saint Maron?

Saint Maron is the spiritual father and patron of the Maronite Church. He lived as an ascetic and died in the region of Cyrrhus, near Aleppo in northern Syria, around the year 410.

He lived in a small hut covered with animal skins, but rarely used it, preferring to remain in the open air. When he discovered the ruins of an ancient pagan temple, he transformed it into a place of prayer and dedicated it to the true God.

He learned the life of prayer from his teacher, Saint Zebinas, who would spend days and nights in prayer without growing weary. Even in his old age, he prayed standing with deep reverence, leaning on his staff for support.

God granted Saint Maron the gift of healing both body and soul. As his reputation as a spiritual father spread, many people came to seek his counsel and guidance.

He formed a great number of hermits and inspired the foundation of several monasteries. We also know of at least three convents of nuns that bore his name.

After a short illness brought on by his great physical weakness, Saint Maron passed into eternal life.

A large church was later built over his tomb, and a great monastery arose around it.

Prayer

O Saint Maron, whom the Lord chose as a shepherd of his people,

you who preached the Gospel, refuted error, and devoted yourself to the service of the Church,

we beseech you:

preserve in us the faith of our fathers and forefathers,

protect us from sickness of soul and body,

and lead us to the dwellings of peace,

so that when we leave this passing life,

we may rejoice with you in the vision of the eternal Shepherd

in the heavenly paradise.

Amen.

Prepared by Rita, of the Sawt el Rab team