Blessed Marguerite Rutan
Blessed
Feast Day: April 9
Birth: April 23, 1736
Death: April 1, 9
Biography
Blessed Marguerite Rutan was a religious sister in the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. She was born on 23 April 1736 in Metz, Moselle, France. From a young age, Marguerite displayed a compassionate heart and felt the call to serve the sick and the poor. As a result, she joined the Daughters of Charity, a religious congregation known for their ministry of mercy.
Marguerite dedicated her life to caring for the sick and needy, and her service led her to the Dax hospital in France. There, she tirelessly attended to the physical and spiritual needs of the patients, offering them comfort, solace, and the healing touch of Christ. Marguerite's presence in the hospital became a beacon of hope for those in pain and despair.
Unfortunately, Marguerite's life of service coincided with a tumultuous period in French history - the French Revolution. As the revolutionaries sought to eradicate religious orders and institutions, Marguerite and her fellow religious faced persecution and ultimately martyrdom for their unwavering faith.
On 9 April 1794, Marguerite Rutan was guillotined in Dax, Landes, France. Her martyrdom testifies to her firm commitment to her religious calling and her refusal to renounce her faith amidst the violent upheaval of the time. Her sacrifice inspires and challenges us to stand firm in our beliefs, even in the face of grave danger.
Blessed Marguerite Rutan's holiness and martyrdom did not go unnoticed by the Church. On 1 July 2010, Pope Benedict XVI declared her venerable, acknowledging her heroic virtues and the sanctity of her life. Subsequently, on 19 June 2011, she was beatified by the same pope, recognizing her as a blessed in the Catholic Church.
Today, Blessed Marguerite Rutan's life serves as an example of selfless love and dedication to the service of others. Her legacy continues to inspire men and women to follow the path of charity, compassion, and faith. She remains a shining light in the history of the Daughters of Charity and in the hearts of those who honor her memory.