The Basics: Born October 6, 1811, in Canada; died October 6, 1849, in Canada; beatified May 23, 1982, by John Paul II; feast day, October 6. Woman religious, educator.
The Story: Born into a large, prosperous farming family in Quebec, Marie-Rose felt from an early age she had a vocation as a sister. 
However, poor health initially prevented her from joining a community of women religious. She went to work as the housekeeper and secretary for one of her brothers, who had become a parish pastor, and was struck by the lack of educational opportunities for young people, especially girls. Marie-Rose then planned to join a French congregation that was sending a group of sisters to the area to help fill that need, but the group ended up not coming. As a result, the local bishop asked her to found such a congregation, and so she did. In the six years before she died, Marie-Rose and her community established four convents for training sisters as educators.
Marie-Rose’s Wisdom: “Since we tread along the same way, let us lend a hand to one another to help surmount the difficulties that present themselves.”
What We Can Learn from Marie-Rose: Our time on earth is limited. Consider ways you can best use the hours to serve your family, community, the world, and the Lord. (Don’t forget that prayer and rest times also are important!)
To Learn More About Marie-Rose: Visit the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary site, or the Co-Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua in Longueil, Quebec, where she is entombed.
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.
