St. Marie-Eugénie de Jésus

March 10

Saint Marie-Eugénie de Jésus, also known as Anne-Eugénie Milleret de Brou, Eugénie Milleret de Brou, Eugénie Milleret de Bron, Marie Eugénie Milleret de Brou, and Mère Marie Eugénie, was born on August 26, 1817, in Metz, Moselle, France. She was raised in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits but had no particular religious affiliation. Despite this, she received her first Communion on Christmas 1829 at the young age of twelve, indicating some exposure to the Catholic faith during her childhood. It was during her adolescent years that Marie-Eugénie experienced a profound conversion to the Catholic faith. This transformative moment led her to feel a calling to religious life after hearing the Lenten sermons of Dominican preacher Henri Lacordaire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Inspired by his words, she decided to pursue a life dedicated to God and the service of others. In 1839, during a pilgrimage to the shrine of Sainte-Anne d’Auray, Marie-Eugénie felt a strong conviction to found a teaching institute that would both engage with the world and maintain monastic observances. This vision led to the establishment of a group that would later become known as the Congregation of the Assumption (Religious of the Assumption or Sisters of the Assumption). Marie-Eugénie's intention was to combine the contemplative aspects of monastic life with the active ministry of education. The Congregation of the Assumption was founded with the aim of providing education to women, especially those from poorer backgrounds. The work of the Assumptionists, as they came to be known, garnered papal approval in 1888 and has continued to thrive in 34 countries across the globe. Today, they are actively involved in various educational and social initiatives, continuing the mission set forth by their founder. Saint Marie-Eugénie de Jésus lived a life dedicated to serving God and others, particularly through education. She emphasized the importance of the intellectual formation of women, believing that education was crucial for their empowerment. Besides her commitment to teaching and the establishment of the Assumptionist congregation, she also played a significant role in promoting the role of laywomen in the Church. Marie-Eugénie passed away on March 10, 1898, in Auteuil, Hauts-de-Seine, France, due to natural causes. Her life and works were recognized and venerated by the Catholic Church, leading to her beatification on February 9, 1975, by Pope Paul VI, and her canonization on June 3, 2007, by Pope Benedict XVI. Although Saint Marie-Eugénie de Jésus does not have a specific patronage, her legacy and example continue to inspire countless individuals, particularly those engaged in the field of education and the empowerment of women. Her life serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, the importance of intellectual pursuits, and the significance of active engagement with the world in service to others.

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