This is I, Eleanor.

Your name as a woman, in most lives, has been a derivative of Mary – Maria, Marion, Mariela. In biblical times you were called Marie and you were the wife of a high ranking Roman officer who had great influence.

You had heard John the Baptist speak and were impressed by his words; they resonated with you.

So when Salome demanded his head you were horrified, but unable to speak in his defence because of your position. You never forgave yourself for not speaking out, even though you would have been banished and lived a life of poverty. You would also go and listen to the sermons of Jesus.

These Teachings had such an affect on you, that you eventually did leave your high ranking life when your husband died in battle, to join the early Christians.