No image available
Feast Day: July 7
Birth: September 23, 1761
Death: July 1, 7
Blessed Mariegabriellefran√ßoisesuzanne De Gaillard De Lavaldène, also known as Francesca Maria Susanna, Ifigenia di S. Matteo de Gaillard de la Valdène, or Sister Iphigénie of Saint Matthew, was a Sacramentine nun who was martyred during the French Revolution. She is honored on the 7th of July and also on the 9th of July as one of the Martyrs of Orange.
Mariegabriellefran√ßoisesuzanne De Gaillard De Lavaldène was born on the 23rd of September, 1761 in Bollène, Vaucluse, France. Little is known about her early life and upbringing. However, it is likely that she grew up in a devout Catholic family and felt a strong calling to dedicate her life to God.
Mariegabriellefrançoisesuzanne entered the religious life and joined the Sacramentine Order, a contemplative community that focused on the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. She embraced the charism of the Order and devoted herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God.
During the French Revolution, when religious persecution was rampant, Mariegabriellefrançoisesuzanne's faith and commitment to her vocation were tested. The revolutionary forces sought to eliminate the influence of the Catholic Church and suppressed religious orders. Unfortunately, the Sacramentine community was not exempt from these harsh measures.
Mariegabriellefrançoisesuzanne and her fellow sisters faced immense challenges and dangers. They were often forced to live in clandestine conditions, hiding their religious identities to avoid capture. However, their unwavering faith and devotion to God sustained them even in these difficult times.
Despite their efforts to conceal their religious practices, Mariegabriellefrançoisesuzanne and her companions were eventually discovered by the authorities. On the 7th of July, 1794, Mariegabriellefrançoisesuzanne was guillotined in Orange, Vaucluse, France, for refusing to renounce her commitment to Christ and abandon her religious vows.
The martyrdom of Mariegabriellefrançoisesuzanne and her fellow Sacramentine nuns became a potent symbol of courage and devotion amidst religious persecution during the French Revolution. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the strength of faith and the unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of severe adversity.
In recognition of her martyrdom, Mariegabriellefran√ßoisesuzanne De Gaillard De Lavaldène was venerated by Pope Pius XI on the 19th of March, 1925, through a decree of martyrdom. This act elevated her to the rank of Blessed, signifying her heroic virtue and her willingness to sacrifice her life for her religious beliefs. She was formally beatified by Pope Pius XI on the 10th of May, 1925.
Today, the memory of Blessed Mariegabriellefran√ßoisesuzanne De Gaillard De Lavaldène continues to inspire Catholics around the world. Her life and martyrdom serve as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the courage to stand up for one's beliefs, even in the face of persecution. May she intercede for us and inspire us to live our faith with unwavering dedication and conviction.