July 19
Macrina
Virgin
Macrina was the eldest of the ten children of Saints Basil and Emelia the Elder, and sister of the Cappadocian Fathers Saint Basil and Saint Gregory of Nyssa.
Biography
She was born in Caesarea of Cappadocia around the year 327. Her mother educated her with particular care, taught her to read and carefully monitored her reading. The Book of Wisdom and the Psalms of David were her favorite works, without neglecting domestic duties or spinning and sewing.
At the age of twelve she was betrothed, but her fiancé died suddenly. Macrina refused to accept other suitors to dedicate herself to helping her mother with the education of her younger siblings. Saint Basil the Great, Saint Peter of Sebaste, Saint Gregory of Nyssa and their other brothers learned from her the contempt for the world, the fear of wealth and the love of prayer and the Word of God. According to the story, when Basilio returned from his studies very proud, his sister taught him to be humble.
Macrina was "the father and mother, the guide, the teacher and the counselor" of his younger brother, Saint Peter of Sebaste. Upon the death of his father, Saint Basil established his mother and Macrina in a house on the banks of the Iris River; There they both devoted themselves to the ascetic life along with other companions.
Practical advice
Charitably correct your own proud attitude and then perform a humble service at home.