Born in 306 in modern-day Syria, Ephrem was the son of a pagan priest but was brought into the faith by the bishop of Nisibis and baptized at the age of 18. Ephram began to work for the bishop as an evangelizer and made a deacon. When the Persians began to overtake their land and persecute the Christians, most Christians fled and Ephrem went with his people and settled in Edessa where he spent the last 10 years of his life. When a plague hit his town, he ministered to the sick and dying, then contracted the plague himself and died from it. During his lifetime he composed over 400 hymns, some of which are still sung, invented the women’s choir, and wrote several Biblical commentaries. He is named among the Doctors of the Church.
CHALLENGE
St. Ephrem is among the first to speak of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and defend her veneration, and his deep devotion to the Mother of Christ is reflected in his many works. Do you have a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother? Today, buy a statue, icon, or other piece of artwork of the Blessed Virgin Mary for your home or office.
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