Saint Macrina the Younger (c. 327–379) was born in Caesarea in Cappadocia, the eldest child of a remarkable Christian family that included her brothers Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, and Saint Peter of Sebaste. After the death of the young man to whom she was betrothed, she chose a life of consecrated virginity and, with her mother Saint Emmelia, formed a monastic community on the family estate in Pontus. Her brother Gregory of Nyssa wrote an account of her holy life and peaceful death, recording her beautiful deathbed prayer of trust in God.
Macrina shows how holiness can begin at home: she quietly guided her famous brothers toward humility and God, earning Gregory's title for her, 'the Teacher.' She reminds us that a faithful, hidden life of prayer and family love can shape saints and echo far beyond one household. In grief and loss, her serene trust at the hour of death teaches us to place those we love into God's hands.
Lord, who gave Saint Macrina a heart of wisdom and peace, teach us to trust You in life and in death, and gather our family, with Ben, into Your eternal home. Amen.