The Basics: Born April 18, 1809, in Terrebone, Canada; died January 2, 1890, in Lachine, Canada; beatified April 29, 2001, by Pope John Paul II; feast day, April 18. Educator, woman religious.
The Story: Born Esther Blondin, this blessed was born the third of twelve children
in Quebec. She was illiterate when she went to work as a domestic at age twenty, but learned to read and write when she volunteered with the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame. She briefly entered the order, then left for health reasons. After a few months’ rest, she joined another former novice at a nearby school for teachers, becoming principal after a few years. In 1850, she founded what would become the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne and took the name Marie Anne. The congregation’s focus was the education of poor children, boys and girls together, which was a novelty at the time.
But her leadership role was not to last. Trouble with a young chaplain who later became the order’s leader caused the bishop to instruct Marie Anne to resign as superior. She directed a boarding school for a time, then was demoted again and sent back to the motherhouse. For the next thirty years, most of her ministry would be done in the congregation’s laundry and ironing rooms. Before she died, she restated her earlier forgiveness of the priest who had taken away her authority.
Marie Anne’s Wisdom: “The deeper a tree sinks its roots into the soil, the greater are its chances of growing and producing fruit.”
What We Can Learn from Marie Anne: Sometimes, we are called to fight perceived injustices. Other times, we are called to humbly submit, as Marie Anne did. Consider whether you are fighting in a relationship where the Lord is calling you to surrender instead.
To Learn More About Marie Anne: The Congregation of Sisters of St. Anne Web site has an extensive biography of Marie Anne as well as a photo of her tomb.
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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