Saint Joan Elizabeth Bichier des Âges

Life story

Élisabeth was born in 1773 (some older sources say 1772) into a noble family in Poitou, near Le Blanc. Her mother was devout and taught her the faith. Her father died on 16 January 1792.

In the years after the Revolution she met Abbé André Fournet, who had said Mass in secret during those years and who guided her toward a life of service. After her mother's death in 1804, Fournet proposed a community of women for mission work. They began living together in 1806, and the congregation took shape in the diocese of Poitiers, caring for the poor and teaching rural children.

In 1820 she bought the old abbey at La Puye, which became the motherhouse. When she died on 26 August 1838 the congregation counted more than sixty houses. Fournet was canonized in 1933. She was beatified by Pius XI on 13 May 1934 and canonized by Pius XII on 6 July 1947.

Works and witness

• Lost her father in 1792, during the Revolution
• Met Abbé André Fournet and was guided by him
• Began community life with companions in 1806, founding the Daughters of the Cross
• Bought the abbey of La Puye in 1820 as the motherhouse
• Died on 26 August 1838; canonized on 6 July 1947

Saints from the same country

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

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), 'Daughters of the Holy Cross'
• Vatican, Pius XII, address of 7 July 1947 for the canonization of Garicoïts and Bichier des Âges

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