A portrait of St. Macrina the Younger
St. Macrina the Younger
c. 327 – 379
Feast
July 19 · IV c.
Patron of
Nuns · Sisters · Theologians · Spiritual formation
Order
Abbess / Theologian
Cappadocian abbess and theologian (c. 327-379), eldest of the ten children of Sts. Basil the Elder and Emmelia; sister of Sts. Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter of Sebaste, whom she educated. Founder of a women's monastic community on the family estate at Annisa in Pontus. Subject of her brother Gregory's "Life of Macrina" and "On the Soul and Resurrection." Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 327 · Died: 379 · From: Cappadocia / Pontus.
Patronage
St. Macrina the Younger is invoked as the patron of nuns, sisters, theologians, spiritual formation. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“You have loosed for me, O Lord, the bond of fear, and made me your friend; therefore I will sing.”— Recorded by her brother St. Gregory of Nyssa in 'Life of Macrina,' her dying prayer (c. 379 AD)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Macrina the Younger, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.