Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is normally celebrated on April 1. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this Sunday also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.