July 16
Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel
Virgin, Foundress of Sisters of Christian Schools
(1756 – 1846)
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Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel
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Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Julia Frances Catherine Postel was born on November 28, 1756 in the port village of Barfleur, Normandy, France. Her father, Jean, was a fisherman and her mother was Thérèse while her aunt was the Blessed Placide Viel. She was educated by the Benedictine nuns at Valognes, France. Even in her earlier years, she manifested a truly remarkable sanctity. When, at the age of nine, Julia received her First Communion. She made a vow of virginity, promising to devote her life to the service of God and the neighbor. From that time, Julia communicated daily and practiced the severest penance.
Power of Prayer
Once, when Julia was told that two young men were about to fight a duel, then only a school girl, she gathered her schoolmates and knelt to pray for the frustration of the wicked deed. Suddenly, and as the first blow was to be struck, the duelists extended hands to each other in reconciliation. The father of one of them went to Julia to thank her for her efficacious prayer, for he could not explain the unexpected reconciliation except by intervention from above.
Opened a Girl’s School at 18
In 1774, at the age of 18, Julia opened a school for the poor in her native town of Barfluer. The free time of the day and a great part of the night she spent before the tabernacle.
Courageous Underground Leader during the French Revolution
When the French Revolution broke out, the revolutionaries closed the school and Julia became a leader in the underground Church. She gave priests shelter and protection in her house, kept the sacred vessels and vestments there and also the Holy Eucharist. Under the stairs of her home, she created a secret chapel where priests could say Mass. In the darkness of night, Julia assembled the faithful in her house or in some other retired place for the celebration of the Holy Mysteries. She went about encouraging the weak, visiting the sick, and secretly bringing priests to them. Julia even obtained authorization and permission to carry the Holy Eucharist to the sick, since it was dangerous for priests to do so. Bailiffs frequently came to surprise the priests or to obtain evidence of unlawful behavior against her. It was an evident miracle that they always blindly passed the plainly visible door of the secret chapel.
Took Her Vows as a Tertiary Franciscan Nun
The end of the Revolution saw Julia take up teaching and catechizing in Cherbourg where she taught around 300 children. At the age of 52, she decided to set up a group of religious women to teach the young, inspire them to love God, and help the poor in their misery. With three companions, Julia made her religious vows into the Third Order of Saint Francis in 1798 while taking the name Marie-Madeleine.
Foundress of Sisters of the Christian Schools of Mercy
On September 8, 1807 at the age of 61, Marie-Madeleine reopened her school at Cherbourg, France. This school became the foundation of the Sisters of the Christian Schools of Mercy. She was named superior of the community. Within three years, 200 girls were being educated. For some time Marie-Madeleine and her nine fellow teachers lived in great poverty in a barn next to their schoolroom. These earlier years were discouraging but she refused to give up. In 1832, Marie-Madeleine acquired a derelict convent in St-Sauveur-le-Vicomte to use as her headquarters which then prompted growth within the order. Now eighty-two years old, she worked like a laborer in the restoration of the building to bring back to its pristine splendor the house of God.
Her Death
Marie-Madeleine died on July 16, 1846 in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, France. Her order continues its work in places such as Romania and Mozambique. In 2005, her order had 442 religious in 69 different locations worldwide.
Born : November 26, 1756 in Barfleur, Normandy, France
Died: July 16 (Feast Day) 1846 at age 89 in Ghent, Belgium
Beatified: May 17, 1740 by Pope Pius X
Canonized: May 24, 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Feast Day: July 16
Patron Saint: Chastity; Sisters of Christian Schools; Teenage Girls
Source:
Reflection
Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel lived during the French Revolution, a time of intense persecution and danger for the Catholic Church. A schoolteacher by training and a woman of deep faith, she secretly taught the faith and helped priests minister to the faithful in a secret chapel under her staircase, even at risk to her own life. Later, she founded the Sisters of the Christian Schools of Mercy, dedicating herself to the education of poor and neglected children. Her life was marked by quiet courage, tireless service, and a trust in God that did not waver—even in political upheaval or personal poverty. Saint Marie-Madeleine reminds us that when the world is in turmoil, the steady light of faith and mercy still brings hope. She believed in the power of formation—of hearts, minds, and souls—trusting that even small seeds planted in love would bear great fruit.
How is God calling you to quietly plant seeds of faith, hope, or mercy in the lives of others—even when the results are not immediately visible?
Prayers
Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel,
You served the poor, taught the young, and trusted that God could use even the smallest act of love to change hearts and build His Kingdom with an unshakable faith in a time of danger and unrest.
Pray for us, that we too may have the courage to live our faith boldly, to teach by example, and to bring mercy where there is need.
May we never grow tired of planting seeds of hope, even when the harvest seems far away.
Guide us to be faithful servants in whatever mission God entrusts to us.
Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
All Saints and Martyrs – Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel – Religious
America Needs Fatima – Saint Marie Magdalen Postel
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 16 July – St Marie-Madeline Postel (1756-1846)
Catholic Online – St. Marie Magdalen Postel
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Mary Magdalen Postel by Katherine I Rabenstein
Go to Mary – Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel
Roman Catholic Saints – Saint Mary Magdalen Postel
Saint for a Minute – Saint Mariemadeleine Postel
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Marie Magdalen Postel (1756-1846)