Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

Biography

Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, also known as Euphrasia Pelletier, Marie of Saint Euphrasia, Mary Sainte-Euphrasie Pelletier, Rosa Virginia Pelletier, Rose Virginie Pelletier, and Rose-Virginie Pelletier, was born on July 31, 1796, in Noirmoutier, Vendée, France. Her early life was marked by the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier began her education in Tours, France, where she would later study further. During this time, she was drawn to the Refuge of Our Lady of Charity at Tours, a religious order dedicated to saving and rehabilitating women involved in prostitution or at risk of entering that line of work. At the age of eighteen, on October 20, 1814, she joined the order and took the name Marie-Euphrasie Pelletier. Marie-Euphrasie made her religious profession on September 9, 1817. Her dedication and service to the order gradually led to her assuming leadership positions. On May 26, 1825, she became the Superioress of the Refuge of Our Lady of Charity, displaying her natural abilities as a leader. Driven by a desire to expand their mission and help more vulnerable women, Marie-Euphrasie founded the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd (Good Shepherd Sisters) in Tours on November 11, 1825. This new congregation sought to provide shelter, education, and vocational training to women seeking a way out of dangerous and exploitative situations. The Good Shepherd Sisters pursued both active and contemplative forms of religious life. The establishment of a monastery at Angers, France, on July 31, 1829, marked a significant milestone for the Good Shepherd Sisters. Under Marie-Euphrasie's guidance, the congregation continued to grow rapidly, spreading its mission across continents. By the time of her death, on April 24, 1868, in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France, there were more than 2,000 sisters in over 100 houses on five continents. This remarkable expansion earned Marie-Euphrasie the title of a patron of travelers. Marie-Euphrasie's leadership abilities were widely acknowledged, as she was recognized as the Superior-General of the Congregation on January 9, 1831. Her dedication and success in establishing the Good Shepherd Sisters earned her approval from Pope Gregory XVI on January 16, 1835. The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd worked tirelessly under Marie-Euphrasie Pelletier's guidance, extending its reach to countries such as Italy, Germany, Belgium, England, Algeria, the United States, Canada, Egypt, Ireland, Austria, India, Chile, Malta, the Netherlands, Australia, and Myanmar. This international presence demonstrated the widespread impact of the Good Shepherd Sisters' mission to rescue and support vulnerable women. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier's contribution to society and her commitment to serving the most marginalized members of society led to her recognition as a saint by the Catholic Church. She was venerated by Pope Pius XI on February 24, 1924, beatified on April 30, 1933, and canonized on May 2, 1940, by Pope Pius XII. Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier's legacy lives on through the Good Shepherd Sisters, who continue their mission of compassion and empowerment for women worldwide. She remains a beacon of hope for travelers and all those seeking refuge from life's challenges and injustices.