Note: For the next several weeks, I’m featuring women with a connection to the Americas.
The Basics: Born February 7, 1840, in Canada; died August 17, 1881, in Canada; beatified April 26, 
2015; feast day, August 17; woman religious, teacher.
The Story: Elisabeth, one of nine children, knew early that she was called to become a woman religious, but it took her a while to get there. She worked as a teacher for a number of years and then, when she was thirty-five, became part of a group of women who were trained to teach in parish schools. Four years later, she and twelve others became the first Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, with Marie-Elisabeth (her name in religious life) serving as the community’s superior. She sent the other members out to teach in poor parishes in Quebec, and the endeavor was such a success that she began a school to prepare novices in the congregation as teachers.
Marie-Elisabeth’s Wisdom: “With Christ’s protection, a spider’s web can be stronger than a brick wall; without His protection, a brick wall can be as flimsy as a spider’s web.”
What We Can Learn from Marie-Elisabeth: She spent only about two years as a woman religious, but Marie-Elisabeth used her time wisely, preparing others to carry on the community’s teaching ministry. Undoubtedly, her own time as a lay teacher paved the way for her to be effective in teaching others to teach. What are you doing today to prepare yourself for potential future ministries?
To Learn More About Marie-Elisabeth: Visit the site her congregation hosts to advance her canonization.
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.
