The Basics: Born February 2, 1576, in France; died January 9, 1622, in France; beatified May 4, 1947, by Pius XII; feast day, January 9; woman religious.
The Story: Born into a prosperous family, Alix wanted for little as
she was growing up. Then in her early twenties, she experienced a conversion moment when an illness resulted in her being bedridden. While she was interested in becoming a woman religious, she did not feel called to life in a cloister. She discerned with her confessor, Father Peter Fourier (now a saint), and with his guidance, she and some of her friends formed the Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine of the Congregation of Our Lady. Their gifts included some of the earliest opportunities for free education for French girls.
Because her desire for an outside ministry was often misunderstood, Alix faced difficulties; for example, it took more than a decade for the Holy See to approve the community’s Rule. She forged on, however, confident in her calling. She served as superior until the year before her death.
Alix’s Wisdom: “Let God be your only love.”
What We Can Learn from Alix: Other people often aren’t as excited about our new ideas as we are. Let’s remember to listen… and to persevere, confident in Christ.
To Learn More About Alix: Read the short biography at the School Sisters of Notre Dame heritage site.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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