Marianne of Arbela
A widow who met Jesus of whom she had heard through Philip of Jacob. She attaches herself to the apostolic group. She keeps, like a relic, the leftover water in the jug from which Jesus drank.
"This water is more holy than lustral water, as He drank out of it. I will keep it carefully so that I may be cleansed with it when I die."[1]
She lost a son named Jude and her husband Elisha.
Character and Appearance
Old wrinkled and poor woman. She knows how to command obedience.[2]
Apostolic Journey
Jesus announces that he will soon call her home after his Passion:
"I will wait to call her to Me when the Christ is about to open the gates of Heaven. The little mother will not have to wait long for Me."[3]
Her Name
Origin of the first name not determined: Composition of Mary and Anne as in French? Same (unknown) origin as Mariamne, the name of wives of Herod the Great? Alteration of the name Miriam?