https://www.mysticsofthechurch.com/2010/07/blessed-mariam-baouardy-little-arab-and.html Her miraculous birth The birth of Mariam in 1846 came after many tears and much prayer by her parents Giries and Mariam Baouardy. Prior to Mariam they had had twelve sons born to them, and sadly all had died in infancy. Their grief was immense at the loss of all twelve of their children. Broken-hearted, but full of hope, the mother had an inspiration that she confided to her husband: "Let us go to Bethlehem on foot, and ask the Blessed Virgin for a daughter. Let us promise Her that if our prayers are answered, we will name her Mariam and will offer for the service of God a quantity of wax equal to her weight when she is three years of age." Full of confidence, the husband and wife left for Bethlehem, at that time a very long trip of 170 kilometers, which they made on foot.. We can guess their hope and fervor as they prayed at the Grotto of the Nativity, where the Mother of God blessed them by grating their request. The parents were overjoyed when their prayers were answered and Mariam was born to them on the eve of the Epiphany, January 5, 1846, and as promised they then named her after the Virgin Mary, in whom they had a great devotion.
Maryam of Bethlehem: The Little Arab - Kindle edition by Sister Emmanuel. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Speaking of Sister Emmanuel, she wrote this. I have wished to read this book for some time. Eventually yes and not too long.... something under 200 pages is good.
