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Feast Day: May 8
Birth: January 24, 1927
Death: May 1, 8
Blessed Paul-Hélène Saint Raymond, also known as Madame Encyclopédie, was born on 24th January 1927 in Paris, France. She was the eighth of ten children born into a devoutly Catholic family, and her upbringing instilled in her a strong faith from an early age.
Paul-Hélène pursued her academic studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, where she focused on engineering. However, during this time, she felt a profound calling to dedicate her life to religious service. Inspired by her desire to help those in need, she made the decision to join the Little Sisters of the Assumption in 1952. She dedicated herself to this religious order and made her final vows in 1960.
Following her commitment to the religious life, Paul-Hélène's journey of service began as a family social worker in Creil, France, from 1954 to 1957. Recognizing her passion for caring for others, she subsequently pursued further studies to become a nurse. After completing her nursing training, she embarked on a career as a nurse in impoverished, working-class neighborhoods in Rouen, France.
In 1964, Paul-Hélène was assigned to serve as a nurse and social worker in Algeria, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly for the next thirty years. Her time in Algeria was characterized by her unwavering dedication to helping the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals in society. She embraced the challenges of her work in Algeria's tumultuous social and political climate, providing care and assistance to those in need.
Paul-Hélène was known for her intelligence, education, and generous spirit. Her compassion and commitment were evident in her daily interactions with others. She was recognized for her heartfelt prayers and for being forthright, sometimes to the point of bluntness or tactlessness. Despite her directness, those who encountered her testified to the sincerity of her intentions and her genuine concern for their well-being.
After retiring from her medical and social work, Paul-Hélène continued her life of service by assisting Blessed Henri Vergès at the Archdiocese library. Here, her warm and welcoming presence made her particularly beloved by children and teenagers. Unfortunately, it was in this very library that she met her martyrdom.
On 8th May 1994, while serving in the Archdiocese library on Ben Cheneb Street in the Kasbah in Algiers, Blessed Paul-Hélène was tragically shot in the neck. Perpetrated by Muslim fundamentalists who had disguised themselves as police officers, her murder was a stark reminder of the challenges she faced in her tireless efforts to serve others.
Blessed Paul-Hélène Saint Raymond's funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, where her life and legacy were honored by all who knew her. Her martyrdom, which she suffered for her unwavering faith and dedication, is a testament to her unyielding commitment to the Gospel values.
Recognizing her exemplary life of virtue and her ultimate sacrifice for her faith, Pope Francis declared her martyrdom on 26th January 2018. On 8th December 2018, Pope Francis beatified Paul-Hélène Saint Raymond, elevating her to the esteemed status of Blessed.
Blessed Paul-Hélène Saint Raymond's story serves as an inspiration to all who strive for selfless service and unwavering devotion to others. Her life exemplifies the profound love and courage required to follow Christ's teachings, even in the face of great adversity. She continues to intercede and inspire, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion and faith. May her example shine brightly as a guiding light for the faithful and the world at large.