Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon

The Basics: Born June 10, 1789, in France; died January 10, 1828, in France; beatified June 10, 2018; feast day, January 10. Woman religious.

The Story: Adele’s early life was filled with upheaval, and perhaps it was that upheaval that fueled her faith. Her noble family was forced into exile during the French Revolution, first to Spain, then to Portugal. It was during the time in Spain that Adele told her parents she

wanted to remain and become a Carmelite. They explained she needed to accompany them (she was eleven years old at the time), but that if she wanted to do so later, they would support her. The family returned to their castle in France a few months later.

Soon thereafter, Adele and a friend established a group for laypeople called “The Little Association,” focused on prayer and living the Christian life. A few years later, mutual friends suggested Adele’s group affiliate with the Bordeaux Society that had been re-established by Father William Joseph Chaminade. Ultimately, the organization became the Marianist Sisters, devoted to Mary.

Adele’s health began to fail in 1825, but she resisted entreaties to slow down her work. She died in 1828, and her final words were, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Adele’s Wisdom: “God does not ask us for extraordinary things, but He wants us to sanctify ourselves in the things we do every day.”

What We Can Learn from Adele: The Lord is always there, even in times of tumult, if we are faithful and listen.

To Learn More About Adele: Check out the site for her beatification or learn more at the Marianist Family 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.