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Feast Day: August 17
Birth: February 7, 1840
Death: August 17, 1881
Blessed Marie-√âlisabeth Turgeon was born on 7 February 1840 in Beaumont, Quebec, Canada. She was one of nine children born to Louis-Marc Turgeon and Angèle Labrecque. Tragically, her father passed away when Elisabeth was just 15 years old, leaving her family without his support.
Despite this loss, Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon continued to pursue her education and graduated from Laval Normal School in Quebec in 1862. She possessed a strong desire to serve others, particularly through education, and subsequently began her career as a teacher in various schools.
However, her journey took a significant turn in 1879 when Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon founded the Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary on 12 September. This congregation aimed to address the educational needs of the local community and to inspire devotion to the Virgin Mary through the rosary. Marie-Élisabeth served as the first superior of this new religious community, dedicating herself to its growth and spiritual development.
Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon's life was marked by a deep devotion to the Catholic faith and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of society. Her tireless efforts to provide education, care, and a spiritual foundation to those in need brought her widespread acclaim. Her holiness and exemplary virtues were recognized on 9 October 2013 when Pope Francis decreed her heroic virtues, venerated her as Blessed.
Tragically, blessed Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon's life came to an end on 17 August 1881 when she passed away in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada, due to natural causes. Her legacy, however, lived on, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and continue the work she had begun.
This remarkable woman's life and works were further acknowledged on 26 April 2015 when Pope Francis beatified her, acknowledging her as a blessed of the Catholic Church. The beatification recognition ceremony took place at the Church of Saint Robert in Rimouski, Canada, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.
Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon's life was a testament to her unwavering faith, dedication to education, and service to others. Her beatification serves as an inspiration for Catholics all around the world, encouraging them to follow in her footsteps and live a life devoted to God and the betterment of humanity.