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Feast Day: July 9
Birth: June 29, 1733
Death: July 1, 9
Blessed Marieannemadeleine De Guilhermier, also known as Sister Saint Melania, was a devout Ursuline nun who became a martyr during the French Revolution. She was born on 29 June 1733 in the town of Bollène, Vaucluse, France, and grew up in a pious Catholic family.
From a young age, Marieannemadeleine felt called to dedicate her life to God and entered the Ursuline convent in Orange, Vaucluse. She embraced the religious life with great fervor, living a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to others. Her deep faith and commitment to her vocation earned her the admiration and respect of both her fellow sisters and the local community.
However, as the French Revolution engulfed the country, religious persecution and hostility towards the Catholic Church escalated. In 1792, the Ursuline convent in Orange was closed down, and the nuns were forced to leave. Despite the danger, Marieannemadeleine and several other sisters chose to remain faithful to their religious calling and continued to live in hiding, providing spiritual guidance and support to Catholics in secret.
Unfortunately, their hidden existence was discovered, and on 9 July 1794, Marieannemadeleine, along with her companions, was arrested by the revolutionary authorities. She was subsequently sentenced to death and executed by guillotine in Orange. The martyrdom of Blessed Marieannemadeleine De Guilhermier stands as a testament to her unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution.
The martyrdom of Marieannemadeleine and her companions did not go unnoticed, and their sacrifices inspired many. Recognizing their courage and commitment to their faith, Pope Pius XI, on 19 March 1925, declared them venerable through a decree of martyrdom. Just a month later, on 10 May 1925, Pope Pius XI beatified Marieannemadeleine De Guilhermier and her companions, officially recognizing their martyrdom and their status as blessed in the Catholic Church.
Blessed Marieannemadeleine De Guilhermier will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to the religious life, and her willingness to give her life rather than renounce her beliefs. Her courageous example continues to inspire Catholics around the world to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity.