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Feast Day: May 30
Birth: May 24, 1878
Death: May 30, 1897
Blessed Marie-Celine of the Presentation, also known as Jeanne-Germaine Castang, Joan Germana Castang, and Marie-Céline Castang, was born on 24 May 1878 in Nojals, a small village in Dordogne, France. She was the fifth child among twelve siblings, born into a poor but deeply religious family.
At a young age, Marie-Celine endured a childhood illness that left one of her legs paralyzed. Despite her physical limitations, she always sought ways to help others and took on the responsibility of managing the household when her mother passed away. Her dedication and selflessness inspired those around her.
When Marie-Celine was nineteen years old, she spent five years living with the Sisters of Nazareth. During this time, her desire to consecrate her life to God grew stronger. On 12 June 1896, she entered the Poor Clares, a contemplative religious order, in Bordeaux, France. Determined to give herself fully to God, she professed her vows on 21 November 1896, taking the religious name Marie-Celine of the Presentation.
Throughout her religious life, Marie-Celine battled various health issues. Although her physical condition continued to deteriorate, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her vocation and found solace in her intense spiritual life. Despite the pain and suffering caused by her illness, she became a model of joy and hope for her sisters in the monastery, inspiring them through her unwavering faith and trust in God.
Marie-Celine's life was sadly cut short by tuberculosis of the bone. She passed away on 30 May 1897 in Bordeaux, Gironde, France, at the age of nineteen. Her mortal remains were laid to rest in the monastery of the Poor Clares in Bordeaux, where she had dedicated her life to prayer and service.
Marie-Celine's holiness and virtue were acknowledged by the Catholic Church. On 22 January 1957, Pope Pius XII declared her venerable, recognizing her heroic virtues. Later, on 16 September 2007, Pope Benedict XVI beatified her, marking a significant step toward her eventual canonization.
The beatification of Blessed Marie-Celine of the Presentation was celebrated with great joy and reverence at the Cathedral of Bordeaux, France, by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins. Her beatification serves as a testament to her sanctity, her profound impact on the lives of others, and her unwavering fidelity to God's calling. Today, she is venerated as a blessed, whose life continues to inspire and encourage countless people.