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Feast Day: January 26
Birth: May 18, 1723
Death: January 1, 26
Blessed Marie de La Dive, also known as Blessed Marie Du Verdier de La Sorinière, was a married lay woman from the diocese of Angers, France. She was born on May 18, 1723, in Saint-Crespin-sur-Moine, Maine-et-Loire, France. Marie lived a devout and virtuous life, dedicating herself to her family and the Catholic faith.
Marie was married to Monsieur Du Verdier de La Sorinière and together they had a family. However, her life was dramatically impacted by the turbulent times of the French Revolution, which sought to suppress religious practices and persecute Catholics. Sadly, her husband fell victim to the violent upheaval and lost his life during this period, leaving Marie widowed.
Despite the danger and hostility towards Catholics, Marie remained steadfast in her faith and refused to renounce her beliefs. She openly practiced her Catholic religion, providing shelter and support to numerous priests who were on the run from revolutionary forces. Her courageous actions demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the Church, even in the face of extreme peril.
On January 26, 1794, in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France, Marie de La Dive was ultimately arrested and condemned to death by guillotine for her refusal to renounce her Catholic faith. She joined the ranks of the many martyrs who laid down their lives during the French Revolution, bravely standing up for their religious convictions in the face of persecution and violence.
Blessed Marie de La Dive's feast day is celebrated on January 26th, commemorating her martyrdom. Additionally, she is also honored on January 2nd as one of the Martyrs of Anjou, a group of individuals from the region who were martyred during the same period.
In recognition of her steadfast faith and martyrdom, Pope John Paul II declared Marie de La Dive venerable on June 9, 1983. Subsequently, on February 19, 1984, Pope John Paul II beatified her during a ceremony held in Rome, Italy, acknowledging her as a blessed martyr of the French Revolution.
Marie de La Dive's life serves as an inspiring example of unwavering faith and dedication to the Catholic Church, even in the midst of great adversity. Her martyrdom stands testament to the resilience and strength of believers during challenging times, and her beatification serves as a reminder of her heroic witness.