The Life of Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey and Mary’s House in Ephesus tells the story of a faith-filled woman’s life of service and her quest to discover the house of the Blessed Virgin in Ephesus. Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey, a Daughter of Charity, responded to God s call and dedicated her life to find Christ, the Word made Flesh, in service to the poor. The first twenty-five years of her ministry were spent caring for the homebound, educating children, accompanying youth in their spiritual journey, and finding families for orphans. In 1886, Sister Marie was sent to Smyrna, near Ephesus, Turkey, where she entered a world very different from her own. While serving in the hospital there, Sister Marie read and shared with her own Sisters and the local Vincentian priests The Life of the Blessed Virgin, by Anne Catherine Emmerich, which recorded the events of Mary s last years spent in Ephesus in a house built for her by St. John. Because of Sister Marie’s great devotion to the Blessed Mother, she was determined to find this sacred spot. Through collaboration with her Vincentian brothers, local Muslim guides, and the people of the area, Mary’s house was found; but the discovery was just the beginning. Once rebuilt, Mary’s house became a place where Muslims and Christians assembled in peace side by side as they came to honor Mary. The Life of Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey and Mary’s House in Ephesus will inspire readers with the remarkable story of a faith-filled woman’s life and her quest to discover the house of the Blessed Virgin in Ephesus.
In these times, in which the tension between East and West between Christians and Muslims seems to be growing ever more intense the witness, example, and intercession of Sr. Marie is so desperately needed. Together let us pray with her in honor of Mary, the Mother of Holy Hope, in sincere hope and longing that the Lord will touch us all with His peace..
(Most Rev.) Michael J. Higgins, TOR Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Penance Minister General
