Moving Forward - 31 January 2025
- danalewisambrose
- Jan 31, 2025
- 1 min read
FRIDAY, January 31, Marcella of Rome
Psalm 40:9b I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.
I’ve been privileged to see Judy Chicago’s famous work of art, The Dinner Party, which honors 1,038 women of history. Marcella, whom we remember today, is commemorated in the work with an exquisitely detailed place setting that features many symbols of the Christian faith indicating the central role she played in the development of the church and Christian monasteries.
Marcella was a noblewoman of the Roman Empire. She was married at a young age and widowed less than a year later. Instead of remarrying, as was the custom, she devoted the rest of her life to God and studying the Bible. She turned her palace into a refuge for other Christian noble women wishing to join her, living strictly, as did ascetic monks. Marcella’s piety and the reputation of her refuge led to the formation of other informal convents in Rome, beginning the Roman monastic movement for which she is credited as founder and given sainthood.
I am humbled and inspired to learn of Marcella’s life of faith. She loved God, and her delight helped to change the world.
MOVING FORWARD: What can we learn from the life of Marcella?
(Source: Forward Day by Day Movement)
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