Saint Narcisa De Jesús Martillomorán

Biography

Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria, also known as Euphrosyna or Smaragdus, is a figure from hagiography. According to the traditional account, she was the daughter of Paphnutius, a wealthy citizen of Alexandria, Egypt. Born in her parents' old age, her birth was attributed to the prayers of a monk who was a friend of the family. As Euphrosyne grew older, her family arranged a marriage for her with a wealthy young noble. However, she felt a deep calling to religious life and declined the proposal. Seizing an opportunity while her father was away on a retreat, Euphrosyne decided to follow her true calling and dedicated herself to a life of piety and spirituality. To escape her family's plans for her, Euphrosyne gave away all her possessions and became a nun. She sought the guidance of the very monk who was believed to have prayed for her birth. In an effort to conceal her true identity and avoid detection by her family, Euphrosyne donned men's clothing and adopted the name Smaragdus. By living as a monk, she hoped to pursue her religious vocation freely. Smaragdus, or Saint Euphrosyne, soon gained renown for her holiness, wisdom, and spiritual insights. Many sought her teachings, considering her a remarkable source of divine inspiration. However, her father, unaware of her true identity, sought spiritual guidance himself. Fascinated by the teachings of the wise monk named Smaragdus, he approached him for counsel and became one of his most devoted disciples. The truth about Euphrosyne's identity remained hidden until her last moments. On her deathbed, she revealed her true self to her father, who was astounded and deeply moved by the discovery. He, too, decided to dedicate himself to the monastic life, spending the remaining years of his life in Euphrosyne's cell, practicing the virtues she exemplified. It is worth noting that modern scholarship suggests that the traditional account of Saint Euphrosyne may be more of a pious legend than a historical fact. While her story has captivated the faithful for centuries, it is challenging to separate fact from fiction in her narrative. Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria is venerated as a saint in various calendars, though her feast day varies across different traditions and regions. Her commemorative days include January 1st, January 16th, September 25th, February 15th, September 24th, February 11th, March 8th, among others, depending on the calendar followed. Although she is not officially recognized as a patron saint of any specific cause or group, she remains a beloved figure in the hearts of those who admire her devotion and commitment to a life of faith and spiritual growth. While no definitive historical evidence exists to verify the existence of Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria, her story continues to inspire and encourage individuals in their own pursuit of holiness and dedication to God. Whether based in fact or fiction, her legend has left a lasting mark on the spiritual landscape, emphasizing the importance of personal piety and the transformative power of faith.