Explanatory Note: Presented here are some of the highlights and
brief descriptions of historical events which occurred during the last
embodiment of beloved Ascended Lady Master Mother Mary. For a
more complete description, please see “Man, His Origin, History and
Destiny.”
Preparation for Mother Mary’s Mission
Most of Mother Mary’s former embodiments occurred in
a feminine body.
Mother Mary qualified for her role as the mother of Jesus
since in former embodiments, she had been trained in the
power of concentration – holding on to ONE concept at a
time. She is the twin flame of Archangel Raphael. Therefore,
she is of the angelic kingdom. One can thus readily see why
she had so many experiences and close associations with the
angels and Archangels. Being the twin flame of Archangel
Raphael also explains her great power. She is on the Fifth
Ray, the ray of healing, truth and concentration.
Before Mother Mary took embodiment, she did ask for,
and was granted a favor, that turned out to be most essen-
tial to the success of Jesus' mission. She asked Archangel
Gabriel to inform her of Jesus' coming, at that time in the
future, when she would be embodied, and would not retain
the consciousness of her mission.
As a child, Mary's interests were different from those of
the other young girls of Judea. While other children played
with dolls, she contemplated all the prophecies of the Old
Testament, and developed a great devotion to the beloved
Vesta (Helios and Vesta govern our solar system). She drewASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS 195
from Vesta the feeling of divine mother-love.
At the age of three, Mary was taken by her parents, Joa-
chim and Anne, to the Temple at Luxor, for instruction.
There she remained until she attained maturity. It was a
lonely life for a small child, and the severe disciplines were
not softened, even for one so young. The priests trained her
in the powers of concentration. In this way she would be
prepared for her later mission, to hold, unwaveringly, the
“immaculate concept,” which is the divine concept of man,
for her child, Jesus. While her young friends enjoyed chil-
dren's games and played in the grasses, Mary, at the age of
five, was given the chore of copying letters from the scrip-
tures. Her task was to keep her attention on her work, and
to not be distracted by the shining sun or the sound of the
children at play. During her stay at the temple, Mary had to
pass some severe tests and initiations. She stated to the
students that she hoped no unascended being would ever
have to go through such tests, again.
In the afternoon, Mary would find rest and solitude by
going to a quiet place, where she would have the comfort of
her twin-flame, Archangel Raphael. She enjoyed, very much,
the happiness and companionship of that association.
Mary grew in beauty and grace, and the angels were a
constant companion, enjoying the beauty of her company.
There was practically no veil between the angelic kingdom
and her own, sweet self. She was truly a “Queen of the An-
gels.”
During that time, Mary had to ponder, in her heart, the
oneness of God and his perfect creation, man. (Mary ex-
plained to the students that the type of comradeship and196 ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS
friendship between the individual and his God-Presence, es-
tablished in everyday tasks of life, builds a momentum for
him.) She continued, stating that SHE NEVER SET A TABLE,
NEVER SWEPT A FLOOR, NEVER PLANTED A FLOWER, WITH-
OUT DOING SO WITH THE REALIZATION THAT IT WAS THE
LIFE OF GOD THAT ENABLED HER TO DO THIS TASK, AND SHE
PERFORMED IT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. Mary's entire youth
was dedicated to preparing for the hour when her mission
would begin, in earnest.
After her release from the temple, Mary was awaiting
the appearance of her guardian. Her first meeting with Jo-
seph was a memorable one, because above Joseph (now the
Ascended Master Saint Germain) she saw the blazing figure
of Archangel Zadkiel. To Mary that was the confirmation that
Joseph was the proper and chosen guardian for her.
Joseph was a member of the Essene Brotherhood, and a
very advanced, spiritual man. He had a very good knowledge
of Cosmic Law, and he imparted that knowledge to Mary. It
was his quiet strength, his serenity, and dignity that helped
Mary, during many of the difficult experiences later in her
life.
From the day that Mary was taken to the temple for her
training, she lived in a state of constant “listening grace.” So
it was easy for Archangel Gabriel to fulfill the pledge he had
given to Mary before her embodiment, approaching her with
the triumphant words, “Hail, Mary, full of grace.” He con-
veyed to Mary, that through her body would come the physi-
cal form of Jesus, who would be the Messiah. It was re-
quired of Mary to tell this event to no one but Joseph. If
Mary had not been in a constant state of listening grace,ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS 197
which means to be always prepared to listen to the still,
small, voice within, she would have missed Gabriel's mes-
sage.
Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of Jesus. Mary
made small garments for the infant, and together they
planned their future, so they might have the strength to ful-
fill their mission, in glory.
Later, when the young Jesus came to Mary with bruises
on his feet and knees, she would say: “We shall not magnify
the hurt or that scar. We shall magnify our Lord.” Then,
turning her attention to the perfect pattern, the man made
in God's image and likeness, Mary, Joseph and Jesus would
draw the healing and peace currents of their God-Presence
through them, until the appearance of imperfection would
disappear. This they did systematically, every day. Thus,
together they built a momentum that was to be the founda-
tion for meeting the difficult days ahead; yes, for overcom-
ing death itself.
While Mary was not permitted to accompany Jesus to
the Ascension Temple, she was privately given the same les-
sons by the Hierarch of the temple, Serapis Bey. That in-
struction was on the suspension of the breath, and the res-
urrection of the body, thus preparing her for events to come.
The Resurrection
After the crucifixion, John and Mother Mary walked down
Calvary Hill, in the direction of Bethany. They stayed at the
old mill, located on the outskirts of the town. Here they
found refuge and solace from the pressures of the past
events.198 ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS
Mary asked to be left alone, and for two nights and one
day she concentrated on the action of the Resurrection
Flame, assisting in restoring the broken body of Jesus. She
prayed for many hours, finally falling asleep at her vigil.
Then, through her mind came the magnificent, melodious
voice of Gabriel. He entered her consciousness, using the
same words he used when he confirmed Jesus' messiahship,
namely, “Hail, Mary! Full of grace!”
At first Mary thought she was dreaming of the earlier
visitation. But Gabriel confirmed, “Your son is risen! He is
victorious!”
Mary fell to her knees, acknowledging Gabriel's pres-
ence, and tears of gratitude streamed down her face. The
room was filled with light, and scented with the fragrance of
the lily. As the brilliant light softened, Mary could recognize
Jesus, clothed in the same white robe that she had woven
for him. She was even able to recognize her own stitching in
the hem of his garment. As she examined his features, to be
sure it was not a mirage, Jesus reached out his hands and
spoke to her, saying, “Mother, it is I!”
Pentecost
The first Pentecost consisted of an additional amount of
prana, released to the assembly. It had a profound effect
upon the disciples. When the radiation of the Holy Spirit oc-
curred, the disciples were filled anew with vital fire. In fact,
they were filled with so much energy, that they appeared
drunken to others. It gave new emphasis to their lives; it
was the final act in preparing them to meet the public to
preach the Gospel.ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS 199
Mary was greatly relieved, because during those ten
days after the ascension, many had leaned on her for faith
and confidence, and she was mentally exhausted. Now, after
Pentecost, the disciples became much more self-reliant.
The Journey to Great Britain
After Pentecost, the small community at Bethany en-
joyed comparative peace for a time. One day, a message
was received by Joseph of Arimathea, who had extensive
business holdings on the British Isles. He had to leave for
this destination, and extended an invitation to Mary and the
disciples to accompany him.
Jesus had told Mary previously that it would be neces-
sary before her ascension to carry the “Cup” to the British
Isles. It was felt that now the opportunity had presented
itself to accomplish that purpose. The boats had sails and
oars. By volunteering and carrying out their mission as
oarsmen, these men won the privilege of being the first
knights of King Arthur's Court, in a later embodiment.
At the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Mary and
others disembarked. Their journey would lead them through
Portugal, Spain and France, and through the cities of Fatima,
Lourdes and Orleans. Throughout the trip, Mary was in a
constant state of listening grace. Sometimes she heard a
delicate burst of music when crossing the aura of an individ-
ual whom she was to invite to accompany her party. In Por-
tugal, she drew those who were later to be the children of
Fatima, and from France, she drew a small child who was
later to become Bernadette. All of these joined the ever-
growing group of travelers.200 ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS
The currents anchored at Fatima, Lourdes and Orleans
would be vitalized several hundred years later. During that
later time, when Mary appeared in her Luminous Presence at
Fatima and Lourdes, many healings, visitations, and contacts
with children were made possible by the previous anchoring
of spiritual currents. The children who saw Mary accepted
her Presence. Mary explained that the limited consciousness
of the children made it impossible for her to explain more of
the Law.
Crossing the Pyrenees was difficult. It was done partially
on foot and partially by donkey. When the group arrived in
northern France, they re-united with Joseph of Arimathea,
and together they crossed the channel.
After their arrival in Great Britain, Mary carried the Cup
ashore. Overcome by a feeling of gratitude, they knelt in the
sands. As they were kneeling, Jesus manifested himself and
gave the first benediction and ceremony of the “Holy Grail.”
Into this etheric record King Arthur of the Round Table later
tuned in.
The Cup was left at Glastonbury. Then Mary and her
group sailed to Ireland. Here Mary met a young boy, who in
a later embodiment, as Saint Patrick, helped establish Chris-
tianity in Ireland. The boy became a member of Mary's par-
ty.
Mary, the Peacemaker
When reflecting upon the fifteen-year time span be-
tween the journey to Britain and her ascension, Mary called
it the “fifteen most difficult years.” These were difficult timesASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS 201
because people of different backgrounds and personalities
had to make the necessary adjustments, caused by having
to live together, in close quarters. It was up to Mary to be
the leader and referee. While assuming this position of spir-
itual leadership, it is clear, from reading the original notes,
that Mary never exhibited herself as a strong leader. Her
function was to give general direction only, which may be
compared to the task of an ombudsman, who gives opinions
when asked.
There were the tests and trials of daily living. There
were also happy times, when visitors from various parts of
the world arrived; there were the happy communions of
Mary and John, at the top of the hill at Bethany, and there
were what Mary called, “the other sort of experiences.” Mary
stayed for at least thirty years, at the building in Bethany.
Whenever Jesus approached, the melody of “Joy to the
World” was heard by Mary and some of the disciples. This
had already occurred at a time right after the resurrection.
Mary said the melody was so distinctive, she wondered why
all of the disciples couldn't hear it.
Mary's Ascension
Mother Mary described her ascension, to the students of
the Bridge to Freedom, in the following way:
“Within about nine years before the close of my embod-
iment, I said to Peter: ‘If you will build a small house and
chapel for me now, apart from the community, by the edge
of the stream, I shall cloister myself and prepare to meet my
Maker.’202 ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS
“This was done, and there I lived for the rest of my life.
Mary of Bethany and other beloved friends would bring flow-
ers, candles and fresh fruit. I spent those years in contem-
plation of my Lord; in reminiscence of the early days of my
life, my first Christmas and all the years with Joseph; the
parting, while Jesus went into India so soon after his father
had left the Earth; his triumphant return; the resurrection
and his own ascension.
“It became physically difficult for me to climb the hill of
Bethany and John kept the vigil for me. I began to enter
more into the world of the ‘beyond’ rather than the world of
the ‘here.’ Finally, in May, right after the Pentecost, I said to
John: ‘Call the disciples and apostles home, for before Au-
gust closes her radiation, I shall have joined my son.’
“You know, it took a great deal of time, sometimes
months, to reach individuals who were in far away places,
like Greece. They all came home, but in the meantime, I had
asked that a small chapel be built on top of Bethany’s hill,
just a very simple one. On the tenth of August I walked up
that hill, having asked that I might be alone on this occasion.
I placed my feet in the shining footprints of my son as I as-
cended that hill. For three days and three nights, I remained
there in that chapel, fasting and praying. By then, all of the
disciples and apostles were home, and they came up to the
hill for me. I spoke to them, to the original disciples, particu-
larly. I told them that I would leave this world and that on
the fifteenth of August my ascension would be completed. I
asked them how they wished to pursue the rest of their
course. John said: ‘I shall follow you, mother, as soon as I
hear the voice of my Presence.’ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS 203
“I blessed them all, and then the other members of the
community came in. I blessed them, too! Then I closed my
eyes on this world, to open them in the presence of Joseph
first, then Jesus. As you know, they placed my body within a
rocky tomb and sealed it for three days. During this time I
was free in the higher octaves, preparing for the ascension
of my physical form. Then did I return and raise that flesh
form. I called it to me, absorbed it into my own Holy Christ
Self, and consciously entered into the heart of my Presence,
as my son did before me. I left within the tomb a white rose
for each one of that community. When they rolled back the
door of my tomb, they found the body was gone and the
fragrance of the roses filled the air.
“So this morning, beloved of my heart, I give the white
rose of friendship, in memory of a conscious ascension. Re-
member, the day when you too lay aside the garments of
flesh and stand God-free, I shall greet you, both as a friend
and as a mother.
“May the blessings of our Lord Jesus and God in heaven,
be upon you, always.”
Mary’s Activity in the Temple of the Sacred Heart
Every year, in the month of May, all individuals who are
eligible for re-embodiment, gather at inner levels at the
Temple of the Sacred Heart. Here those individuals (who
function in their etheric body) join with Mother Mary, the
builders of form, and the body elemental, all of which are
instrumental in forming the etheric pattern for the future
physical body. Mother Mary, at that time, fashions out of the
best elemental substance the individual can offer, the etheric204 ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS
pattern for the future heart. The best elemental substance is
used for this process, because the heart is the chalice in
which the immortal Threefold Flame abides.
Service during the “Bridge to Freedom”
For many years, prior to the Bridge to Freedom Dispen-
sation, in 1952, Mother Mary made petitions to the Karmic
Board for babies to be born in perfect condition. This effort
met with success, after members of the Philadelphia group
of the Bridge to Freedom joined Mother Mary's petition. The
members of this group were mostly women, beyond the
child-bearing age. They recognized the opportunity of unself-
ishly serving Mother Mary, in coming together once a week,
for 18 months, giving their energies through decrees de-
signed to support Mother Mary. The result of this was, that
one million babies could be born perfect in mind and body.
The details of this cooperative effort, as well as the en-
tire process, starting with so-called death, going before the
Karmic Board to be judged, assignment by the Karmic board
to different levels of instruction, (depending on spiritual de-
velopment), how individuals are selected for embodiment,
the meeting prior to embodiment at Mother Mary's Temple
of the Sacred Heart, the selection of parents and assistance
at birth, are given in the book, “MOTHER MARY'S ASSISTANCE
TODAY IN HAVING PERFECTLY-BORN CHILDREN.
”
Beloved Jesus and Mary are now the Hierarchs of the
Resurrection Temple. We can call to them to blaze the Res-
urrection Flame through our bodies, to restore them to the
original condition of youth and health. It will be helpful to
visualize the color of the flame, which is mother-of-pearl.ASCENDED MASTERS AND THEIR RETREATS 205
Words will never be sufficient to express our gratitude to
beloved Mother Mary. Perhaps her life accomplishments,
during her last embodiment on Earth, may best be summed
up by quoting the words of the beloved Lord Krishna: “Ser-
vice is the Law of Life!”
Mother Mary’s keynote, as well as that of beloved Arch-
angel Raphael, is contained in the melody, “Whispering
Hope.”
Editor’s Note: Beloved Mother Mary was in a constant state of
listening grace. If beloved Mary had not been such a state of con-
sciousness, of uninterrupted harmony in the feelings and of inner
peace, there have been no Christian Dispensation, no mighty Ca-
thedrals with their spires pointing to the sky, no choirs of lovely
singers and no ecclesiastical glory of the Christian Church.