Saint Joanna The Myrrhbearer

Biography

Saint Joanna The Myrrhbearer, also known as JoAnna, was a first-century lay woman who played a significant role in Jesus' ministry and in the early Christian community. She is often referred to as "The Myrrhbearer" due to her association with the anointing of Jesus' body after his crucifixion. Joanna was married to Chusa, who served as the steward of King Herod Antipas. Despite her noble status, she embraced a life of faith and discipleship. Joanna became a devoted follower of Jesus and was mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (8:3) as one of the women who provided for Jesus and the Apostles from their resources. She generously supported Jesus' ministry and cared for his needs throughout his earthly journey. According to Eastern tradition, Joanna carried out an honorable act of reverence and compassion towards John the Baptist. After King Herod Antipas ordered the execution of John, Joanna took it upon herself to procure his head and give it a proper burial, ensuring that this great prophet and forerunner of Jesus received the respect he deserved. Joanna's most notable contribution to the Gospel narrative was her involvement in the resurrection story. She was one of the women mentioned by Luke (24:10) who discovered the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. Joanna, along with other faithful women, had gone to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices but were greeted by the empty tomb and the good news of his resurrection. This pivotal moment made her one of the first witnesses to the Resurrection, and she played an essential role in spreading the news of Jesus' triumph over death. Joanna's faithful devotion and unwavering love for Jesus and his teachings were evident throughout her life. She symbolizes the devoted and courageous women in the early Christian community who stood by Jesus in times of trial and continued to support the growth of the Church. It is believed that Joanna remained actively involved in promoting the teachings of Jesus, even after his ascension. Saint Joanna The Myrrhbearer is venerated as a saint, particularly cherished by the Jesuit order, and is commemorated on various feast days. In the Roman calendar, her feast day is celebrated on May 24th, while the Orthodox Church honors her on June 27th, together with the other Myrrh-bearing women. She is often depicted carrying an ointment box, symbolizing her role in preparing Jesus' body for burial, or alongside her husband among court ladies, listening attentively to Jesus' preaching. While she is widely venerated for her faithful witness and service to Jesus, Joanna does not have a specific patronage assigned to her. Nevertheless, many find inspiration in her life and seek her intercession in their own journeys of faith and discipleship. Though not officially canonized under the Church's formalized process, Saint Joanna The Myrrhbearer is respected as a saint and revered for her exemplary devotion to Christ and her integral role in the early Christian community. Her story serves as a reminder of the significant contributions and unwavering faith of lay women in the Church's history.