**Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints

Episode: St. Macrina the Younger
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Produced by: Augustine Institute

Introduction

In the latest episode of Catholic Saints, hosted by the Augustine Institute, Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Dr. Jessica Murdoch, both esteemed professors at the institute, delve into the life of a lesser-known yet profoundly influential female saint, Saint Macrina the Younger. This episode is part of their series titled "More Obscure Female Saints", which aims to shed light on holy women whose stories have not been widely told.

Exploring Saint Macrina the Younger

Dr. Klein introduces Saint Macrina as a pivotal yet underappreciated figure within the early Christian Church. She states:

"Saint Macrina, I think she should be really famous, but unfortunately has been eclipsed by her more famous brothers."
(00:45)

Saint Macrina hails from what Dr. Murdoch describes as the "second holiest family," being the sister of three canonized saints: Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter of Sebaste. Her mother, Saint Amelia, and grandparents also endured persecution under Emperor Diocletian, with her grandmother, Macrina the Elder, martyred for her faith. This lineage sets a foundation for Saint Macrina's own sanctity.

Saint Macrina’s Life and Legacy

Saint Macrina's life is primarily documented in a 30-page letter written by her brother, Gregory of Nyssa, upon her death. The narrative begins with Gregory receiving a premonition of her illness and describes their heartfelt conversation at her deathbed before reflecting on her virtuous life.

Dr. Murdoch highlights:

"Her life is almost for. Skipped that part." (00:30)
(Note: This appears to be a transcription error; likely intended to segue into Saint Macrina's life details.)

Saint Macrina transformed her family's wealthy estate into a quasi-monastic community, promoting a life of common prayer and equality among all, including servants. This domestic monasticism served as a local retreat center where clergy like Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa could find rest and spiritual rejuvenation.

Role in Her Family’s Sanctity

Saint Macrina is portrayed as the linchpin of her family's holiness. Dr. Klein emphasizes her influence:

"She is the reason for the second holiest family, that she's the kind of source of sanctity for the family."
(04:15)

After the death of her father, Basil the Elder, Macrina encourages her mother to embrace a monastic lifestyle, dismantling traditional servant-master distinctions and fostering a community based on spiritual devotion.

Influence on Her Brothers

Saint Macrina played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual paths of her brothers. Dr. Murdoch shares an anecdote illustrating this:

"Gregory of Nyssa saw her as kind of like, she's responsible for everyone's sanctity."
(07:50)

One notable story involves Basil the Great, who, upon returning from studies, felt pride in his rhetorical skills. Macrina challenges him, urging him to choose a life of virtue over mere worldly acclaim:

"You could learn to be a good speaker and be a good lawyer and be famous for a generation, or you could live a life of virtue and be famous forever."
(09:30)

This counsel was prophetic, as Basil indeed became one of the three great holy hierarchs in the Eastern Church, renowned for his theology and liturgical contributions.

Another instance highlights Macrina's role in correcting her brothers' pride. When Gregory of Nyssa faced adversity during doctrinal controversies, Macrina admonishes him:

"Why do we even think you're worthy to suffer these things for Christ and get such glory? Our parents were a lot holier than you are."
(10:45)

Her rebuke encourages Gregory to view his trials as honors from Christ, reinforcing humility and reliance on divine grace.

Practical Applications and Modern Implications

The hosts draw parallels between Saint Macrina's domestic monasticism and contemporary women's lives. Dr. Murdoch reflects:

"After our children are grown, then we're kind of in a similar situation in a way, where we have this home that we've built."
(06:30)

Saint Macrina's model of using her estate as a place of prayer and community is likened to modern women finding ways to contribute spiritually within their own homes and communities without renouncing their familial responsibilities.

Dr. Klein further explores the concept of the domestic church, noting:

"It was kind of like a church at her house, but also that ability to manage the house, but with detachment."
(12:10)

This balance of active household management and spiritual devotion serves as an enduring example of integrating faith with daily responsibilities.

Saint Macrina’s Virtuous Death and Legacy

Saint Macrina's life culminated in a serene and virtuous death, consistently embodying a focus on eternal life. Dr. Murdoch comments:

"She was someone who died to themselves and lived for Christ more and more every day, who saw life as preparation for death."
(12:50)

Gregory’s account emphasizes her unwavering gaze towards eternal truths, navigating personal losses—including the deaths of her father, fiancé, and brother—with grace and faith.

Dr. Klein concludes by highlighting Saint Macrina as a model of practical wisdom and virtuous living:

"She's practicing what she's preaching, right? She's living a life of virtue, and she's giving up, really, this wealthy property to the use of other people."
(11:30)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Dr. Lambert and Dr. Murdoch expressing hope that listeners appreciate Saint Macrina the Younger's profound influence on her family and the early Church. They encourage further exploration of her life through referenced literature and invoke her intercession.

"Thank you so much for joining us for this little chat about Saint Macrina the Younger. I hope that you liked learning about her holy family and that she will be an intercessor for you. Saint Macrina, pray for us."
(13:00)

Further Resources

For those interested in a deeper dive into Saint Macrina's life and other lesser-known female saints, the hosts recommend the book "Lives of Roman Christian Women", which features recounts of her 30-page biography and profiles of other obscure yet inspiring female saints.

Note: To experience this and other insightful episodes in their video format, visit formed.org, the Augustine Institute’s online Catholic streaming service.