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Feast Day: July 16
Death: July 1, 16
Blessed Marieanne Béguinroyal, also known as Sister Saint Joachim, was a Sacramentine nun who met a tragic fate during the French Revolution. She was born in 1736 in Bouvante, a small village in the Dråme region of France.
Marieanne Béguinroyal dedicated her life to serving God as a religious sister. She entered the Sacramentine monastery, a contemplative order known for its focus on the Blessed Sacrament, in the town of Orange, France. Within the walls of the monastery, she embraced a life of prayer, penance, and devotion to Jesus Christ.
However, the French Revolution, which began in 1789, brought tumultuous times to the country, testing the faith and dedication of the Catholic clergy and religious orders. The revolutionaries sought to dismantle the power and influence of the Church and establish a new secular order.
Despite the increasing danger and hostility towards Catholicism, Sister Joachim and her fellow Sacramentine sisters chose to remain true to their religious vocation. They continued to live in their monastery, quietly and courageously preserving their faith amidst the revolutionary chaos.
Unfortunately, their commitment to their religious life did not go unnoticed. In 1794, the French revolutionaries discovered the presence of the Sacramentines in Orange. The sisters were accused of counterrevolutionary activities and refusing to conform to the revolutionary ideals.
On July 16, 1794, Marieanne Béguinroyal and her companions were sentenced to death by guillotine. They faced their martyrdom with steadfast faith, embracing their fate as a testament to their unwavering devotion to God and their commitment to their religious calling.
The execution took place in Orange, Vaucluse, France. Their selfless sacrifice and martyrdom became a powerful witness to the enduring strength of the Catholic faith, even in the face of persecution.
Nearly 130 years later, on March 19, 1925, Pope Pius XI officially recognized the martyrdom of Sister Saint Joachim and her companions, bestowing upon them the title of "Blessed." Their beatification followed shortly on May 10, 1925.
The life and martyrdom of Blessed Marieanne Béguinroyal serve as a reminder of the courageous witness of Catholic religious who remained steadfast in their faith during times of intense persecution. Their sacrifice continues to inspire believers today to stand firm in their beliefs and trust in God's providence, even in the face of adversity.