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Feast Day: July 11
Birth: April 15, 1741
Death: July 1, 11
Blessed Marieelisabeth Pélissier, also known as Maria Elisabetta di S. Teoctisto Pélissier or Sister Théotiste of the Blessed Sacrament, was born on 15 April 1741 in Bollène, a town in the Vaucluse region of France. From a young age, she displayed a deep devotion to her Catholic faith and a natural talent for music, singing, and poetry.
Marieelisabeth's spiritual journey led her to join the Sacramentine nuns at Bollène, where she entered religious life and made her profession on 25 June 1759. As a Sacramentine nun, she dedicated herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God. Through her musical abilities, she enriched the liturgical celebrations of the community, touching the hearts of her fellow sisters and those who gathered at the convent.
During the turbulent era of the French Revolution, when the Catholic Church encountered severe persecution, Marieelisabeth's faith and dedication only grew stronger. She remained steadfast in her commitment to Christ, even as the revolutionaries sought to suppress religious life and eradicate Catholicism.
Despite the dangers that surrounded her, Marieelisabeth continued to live a life of prayer and service, offering solace and support to her fellow nuns during this troubled period. However, her unwavering faith and refusal to renounce her religious vows ultimately led to her arrest.
On 11 July 1794, in Orange, Vaucluse, France, Marieelisabeth Pélissier, along with several other religious sisters and clergy, was tragically guillotined. Her martyrdom was a testament to her unwavering commitment to Christ and her courageous resistance against the forces that sought to extinguish the Catholic faith.
Recognizing her heroic witness and sacrifice, Blessed Marieelisabeth Pélissier was venerated on 19 March 1925 by Pope Pius XI, who decreed her martyrdom. On 10 May 1925, she was beatified by the same Pope, becoming one of the blessed of the Catholic Church.
Blessed Marieelisabeth Pélissier's life serves as an inspiration for all believers, reminding us of the importance of remaining faithful to our convictions, even in the face of adversity. Her love for God, expressed through her music, poetry, and service, continues to inspire many to this day. We honor her memory and strive to imitate her unwavering faith and dedication to the Gospel.