The Samaritan woman is an anonymous woman mentioned in the Gospel according to John (Jn 4:1-42). Jesus meets her near a well in Samaria, where he asks her for water to drink, thus breaking down the barriers between Jews and Samaritans. During their conversation, he reveals to her that he knows her past life and speaks to her about the "living water", symbol of eternal life. Overwhelmed, she recognizes in him a prophet, then the Messiah. She runs to announce this meeting to the inhabitants, thus becoming a first evangelist. Her story illustrates the mercy of Jesus and the openness of salvation to all. According to some traditions, she was baptized under the name of Photine and died a martyr.
