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Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified, born Mariam Baouardy in 1846 in the village of I'billin in Galilee, led a life that was as remarkable as it was spiritually profound. Orphaned at the age of three, she endured a childhood marked by hardship and loss. At just 13 years old, she survived a brutal attack after refusing to convert to Islam—a moment she later described as a miraculous healing by the Virgin Mary. This event became a turning point in her spiritual journey.
Mariam eventually joined the Discalced Carmelites, where she became known for her deep mysticism, including visions, ecstasies, and the stigmata. Despite these extraordinary experiences, she remained humble and devoted to a life of prayer and service. She played a key role in founding Carmelite monasteries in Mangalore, India, and Bethlehem. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith and the power of hope in the face of suffering. Canonized in 2015 by Pope Francis, she is remembered as a “Witness of Hope” and a spiritual bridge between East and West.
The Vatican released a stamp depicting Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy) on May 27, 2025, as part of a philatelic series titled "Witnesses of Hope". The stamp has a face value of €1.30 and features artwork by Orietta Rossi. It was accompanied by a special postmark available at the Vatican Post Office in St. Peter’s Square on May 27 and 28, 2025.
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