Blessed Hélènemariephilippine De Chappotin De Neuville

Biography

Blessed HélèneMariePhilippine de Chappotin de Neuville, also known as Marie of the Passion, was born on May 21, 1839, in Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, France. She was the daughter of a noble family and grew up in a devout Catholic environment. Tragedy struck her life when two sisters and a cousin passed away, prompting Hélène to search for deeper meaning and purpose.

At the age of 20, Hélène's mother also died, leaving her responsible for the care of her younger siblings and the management of their family home. Despite her inclination towards religious life, she put her aspirations on hold to fulfill these familial duties. However, her desire to answer God's call remained strong.

In December 1860, Hélène's persistent vocation led her to the Poor Clares, an order she had long admired due to her devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi. Sadly, due to health issues, she was unable to continue and had to return home. Once her health improved, her confessor guided her to join the Society of Marie Reparatrice in 1864. On August 15, 1865, Hélène made her profession in Toulouse, France, taking the name Mary of the Passion.

Embracing her missionary spirit, Mary of the Passion embarked on a mission to India in March 1865. She dedicated herself to serving the poor and marginalized, particularly women and children. Her selfless efforts and leadership qualities led her to be appointed as the provincial superior of three Reparatrice houses in July 1867.

During the mid-1870s, Mary of the Passion found herself entangled in disputes among various missionary houses in India. Seeking resolution, she journeyed to the Vatican in 1877 to seek assistance from Pope Pius IX. On January 6, 1877, she obtained permission to establish the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, an order focused on evangelization and serving those in need.

Mary of the Passion worked closely with the Servant of God, Father Bernardin de Portogruaro, in fulfilling her mission. Together, they undertook numerous initiatives, aiming to bring the message of God's love and compassion to all corners of the world.

However, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary faced internal turmoil and conflicts, leading to Mary of the Passion's removal as the superior of the Order in March 1883. These circumstances prompted Pope Leo XIII to launch an inquiry to investigate the allegations against her. Eventually, in July 1884, she was completely exonerated of all charges, and her position as Superior was reinstated.

Mary of the Passion's leadership and dedication paved the way for the continued growth and effectiveness of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Even today, the Order remains active, with 2,000 sisters serving in 86 houses across four continents, tirelessly spreading the works of mercy and Christian values.

Blessed HélèneMariePhilippine de Chappotin de Neuville passed away on November 15, 1904, in San Remo, Imperia, Italy, due to natural causes. She was interred in a private oratory at the general house of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Rome, Italy.

Her life of exemplary virtue and devotion to God led to her veneration by the Catholic Church. On June 28, 1999, Pope John Paul II declared her heroic virtues, acknowledging her remarkable spiritual journey and dedication to serving others. Later, on October 20, 2002, Pope John Paul II beatified her, recognizing her beatification miracle, which involved the healing of a religious sister suffering from "pulmonary and vertebral TBC, Pott's Disease."

Blessed HélèneMariePhilippine de Chappotin de Neuville, also known as Marie of the Passion, remains an inspiration for all who seek to follow God's call with unwavering faith, perseverance, and love for their fellow human beings.