St. Mary of Bethany

St. Mary of Bethany was a close friend and follower of Jesus Christ. She is remembered for her devotion and contemplation of the Lord's teachings. Though the exact dates of her birth and death are unknown, tradition holds that she lived in the town of Bethany, near Jerusalem, in the 1st century AD. Mary is particularly venerated for her role in welcoming Jesus into her home and anointing his feet with precious oil. She is considered a patron of contemplative prayer and spiritual wisdom.