The Basics: Born in the 4th century in Syria; died in the 5th century in Syria; canonized precongregation; feast day, February 28. Anchoresses.
The Story: They were good friends, born into noble families, not particularly unusual for two women in any period of history. But the way they felt called to live their lives was decidedly unusual.
Marana and Cyra determined that their devotion to the Lord was to be practiced in austerity. Cyra’s father provided them with a garden outside the city, on land that abuted a monastery. The friends built a structure that adjoined the monastery on one wall; a window was placed there, and another on a side facing the garden, both with shutters. After the hut was built, the door was closed up. There was no roof, affording the women no protection from the elements, birds, or insects.
A bishop, Theodoret of Cyrrhus, came to visit the women and was the only man allowed into their home. (The door was reopened so he could enter, then closed up again.) He was impressed with their practices, which included significant periods of fasting (eating one full meal and
two smaller meals per day), covering themselves with veils, and wearing heavy iron chains around their necks, waists, and feet. Theodoret documented that the chains were so heavy that Cyra, the only one of the pair ever heard to speak, could barely stand. (They did remove the chains while he visited, but put them back on after he left.)
In their forty-two years together, Marana and Cyra left their home only twice–for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and to visit the tomb of St. Thecla.
What We Can Learn from Marana and Cyra: None of us has an easy journey to the Lord. It’s a gift when we have an earthly companion. Thank someone who’s helped you, whether the person knows it or not.
To Learn More About Marana and Cyra: Read the section about them in Anchoresses of the West by Darley Dale.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
