The Basics: Born October 14, 1653, in France; died January 24, 1744, in France; beatified November 20, 1994, by John Paul II; feast day, October 14. Educator, social worker.
The Story: By the time Marie was thirty, both of her parents had died, leaving behind a once-prosperous manufacturing business 
that was deeply in debt. As the person in charge, Marie took a risk and brought in machinery to make stockings, replacing the handwork and learning how to operate all the equipment herself. Employees were then trained or retrained, and treated in a respectful manner somewhat unusual for the time. But Marie’s heart and soul were already in service to the Lord. She worked to transition the business to a younger brother, and became a Dominican tertiary when she was thirty-seven. Five years later, she moved to a more rural area of France, where she founded a community, now known as the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation. The women worked to educate girls in the area and ministered to the sick and poor. While the congregation was not formally recognized until after Marie’s death, it continues its service today.
Marie’s Wisdom: “Do your best and pray fervently to obtain the capacities you still lack. ”
What We Can Learn from Marie: It’s all about God’s timing, isn’t it? Marie wisely waited until the time was right to leave the family business behind, and was patient and faithful when some controversies over the status of her community swirled. Is there a worry you can let go of today… and trust the Lord?
To Learn More About Marie: Visit the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation site.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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