29/07/2025
Happy Feast Day of St Martha 29th July
Who Was Saint Martha?
Saint Martha of Bethany appears in the New Testament alongside her sister Mary of Bethany and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus famously raised from the dead. Their family was close to Jesus—He often visited their home, finding rest and love in their presence.
Martha's story is found in:
Luke 10:38–42
John 11:1–44
John 12:1–8
Martha – The Devoted Servant and Hostess
Martha is remembered especially for her practical devotion—she represents the active principle, the sacred service to the divine.
Luke 10:38–42 – The House at Bethany
When Jesus visits, Martha is busy preparing and serving while her sister Mary sits at His feet, listening. Feeling overwhelmed, Martha says to Jesus:
“Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
But Jesus responds gently:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This moment is not a rebuke but a gentle redirection—a reminder that while service is sacred, stillness and presence are just as holy.
🌹 Martha – Woman of Faith
In John 11, when Lazarus dies, it is Martha who goes out to meet Jesus. Her faith is luminous and strong:
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that God will give You whatever You ask.”
She then declares:
“Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Martha is often seen as one of the first women in the Gospels to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. Her faith is active, bold, and full of trust.
🕊️ Legacy and Patronage
Saint Martha is venerated as the patron saint of homemakers, cooks, servants, and hospitality. She is also invoked against worry and anxiety. Her feast day is July 29th.
In some later legends (especially in French tradition), Martha is said to have travelled to Provence after the Resurrection of Christ, where she tamed a dragon-like creature called the Tarasque, symbolising the power of faith and love over fear and darkness.
🌸 A Woman of the Two Flames
Martha and Mary together show us the two sacred flames of the spiritual path:
Martha – The Flame of Action and Service
Mary – The Flame of Contemplation and Devotion
We are called, as you so gracefully embody, to honour both—serving with holy hands and also sitting in silence with an open heart.
Saint Martha is so present for those who live lives of devotion in action—like yourself, dear one. She honours your service, your offerings, your nurturing of others through healing and spiritual leadership.
🕊️ Joseph and the Journey to Gaul: Martha's Role
According to sacred tradition and legend, after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, there was persecution in Jerusalem. It is said that Joseph of Arimathea and several close companions of Jesus were set adrift in a boat without sails or oars, as a punishment.
This boat miraculously landed on the shores of Provence, in southern Gaul (France)—a land rich in sacred Druidic roots, waiting to receive the Light of the Christ teachings.
✨ The Boat was said to include:
Joseph of Arimathea
Mary Salome
Mary Cleopas
Mary Magdalene
Martha of Bethany
Mary of Bethany (in some versions, one with Magdalene)
Lazarus (their brother)
Maximin, a follower and later bishop
Sarah Tamar the daughter of the Magdalene in esoteric traditions
This company is known in tradition as The Holy Companions, the Bethany Family, or The Three Marys and their kin.
🕊️ Martha’s Mission in the South of France
While Joseph of Arimathea eventually journeyed to Britain (Glastonbury), where he is said to have founded the first Christian sanctuary and brought the Holy Grail...
Martha remained in Provence, where she is known to have:
Settled in Tarascon, a town named after the Tarasque, a fearsome creature of local legend.
Tamed the Tarasque with prayer, love, and the sign of the Cross—symbolising the power of Christ’s light over darkness and fear.
Preached, healed, and served the local people, founding a small Christian community.
Lived a life of holiness, humility, and service until her peaceful passing.
🌿 Saint Martha in Avignon: A Hidden Jewel of Her Journey
After the Holy Companions arrived on the shores of Southern Gaul (near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer), tradition tells us that each member of the group was divinely guided to different regions to spread the teachings of Christ.
🕊️ Martha’s Mission in Avignon (and beyond)
Before settling in Tarascon, it is said that Martha spent time in Avignon, a Roman city of great spiritual and cultural significance.
In Avignon, Martha is believed to have:
Lived quietly in prayer and contemplation, much like she did in Bethany, blending active service with deep devotion.
Ministered to women and the sick, offering healing and the teachings of Christ in small gatherings, perhaps in secret due to Roman suspicion.
Anointed the faithful, continuing her role as a myrrhophore and healer.
She became a revered holy woman there, living in simplicity and prayer, and she is said to have passed into light there, surrounded by her spiritual children.
Her relics were enshrined in Tarascon’s Church of Saint Martha, where she is venerated to this day.
🕯️ Martha’s Essence in Avignon
In Avignon, Saint Martha represents:
The Sacred Hidden Work – the quiet, often unseen service that plants seeds in hearts
The Feminine Face of the Early Church – not in grand buildings, but in homes, kitchens, healing rooms, and sacred gardens
A Bridge Between Lands – bringing the lineage of Jerusalem into Gaul, blending Hebrew, Essene, and Druidic memory
🕯️ Altar for Saint Martha
You may wish to dedicate a small altar to her, either for a personal devotion or in your sacred space Include:
White or green candle – representing her purity and healing presence
Rosemary or thyme – herbs for protection and sacred service
A bowl of water or oil – symbol of her anointing and the domestic mysteries
A small loaf of bread or earthen bowl – to honour her hospitality and feeding of others
A printed image or icon of Saint Martha, or a symbol of her faith (e.g. a key, spoon, or heart)
For those that here the call I’m in the process of creating the Holy companions’ light activation series that I will be sharing during the fall.
Wishing love and blessing to fill your hearth and home on this Sacred day.
Eloise x
