Blessed Marie of the Incarnation (Barbe Acarie)

Life story

Barbe Avrillot was born in February 1566 in Paris. In 1582, at about sixteen, she married Pierre Acarie; they had six children. Her husband supported the Catholic League, and after Henry IV's abjuration he was exiled from Paris, leaving her to manage the family's affairs.

In late 1601 she reported a vision of St Teresa of Avila telling her that God wanted her to found Carmelite convents in France. Henry IV granted letters patent on 18 July 1602, and Clement VIII issued the bull of institution on 23 November 1603. Her circle included Pierre de Bérulle, and Carmelite nuns were brought to France; the first convents opened in Paris and elsewhere in the following years.

After her husband died (in 1613 or 1614, sources differ), she entered the Carmelite convent at Amiens in 1614 as a lay sister and took the name Marie of the Incarnation; three of her daughters had already entered Carmel. Some sources say she professed her vows in 1615. In 1616 her superiors moved her to the convent at Pontoise because of her health.

She died at Pontoise on 18 April 1618. Her cause was introduced in Rome in 1627, and she was beatified on 24 April 1791. Her feast is kept in Paris on 18 April. She has not been canonised. She should not be confused with Marie of the Incarnation, the Ursuline of Quebec, who is a different person.

Works and witness

• Married Pierre Acarie in 1582 and raised their six children
• After her 1601 vision, promoted the introduction of reformed Carmel to France
• The bull founding Carmelite convents in France was issued on 23 November 1603
• Entered the Carmelite convent at Amiens in 1614 as Marie of the Incarnation
• Beatified on 24 April 1791

Saints from the same country

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Louis IX of France, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Francis de Sales

References

• Archdiocese of Paris: 'Bienheureuse Marie de l'Incarnation, Madame Acarie', dioceseparis.fr/madame-acarie.html
• Britannica: 'Mary of the Incarnation', britannica.com
• Catholic Encyclopedia, 'Bl. Marie de l'Incarnation', newadvent.org/cathen/09667b.htm

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.