Catherine Jarrige
Catherine Jarrige was a French Roman Catholic Dominican tertiary known for her extensive charitable works, particularly during the French Revolution. She dedicated her life to aiding the poor and protecting persecuted priests, demonstrating remarkable courage and faith. Her beatification occurred in 1996, recognizing her heroic virtue and sanctity.
Key Facts
- ›Catherine Jarrige was born on October 4, 1754, to poor peasants in Cantal, France.
- ›She became a Dominican tertiary in Mauriac, dedicating herself to the spiritual and material needs of the poor.
- ›During the French Revolution, she risked her life to hide and assist priests who refused to pledge allegiance to the new regime.
- ›Jarrige procured vestments, wine, and wafers for Mass and carried messages to priests in hiding, warning them of patrols.
- ›After the execution of a priest named François Filiol, she collected some of his blood, which was then used to miraculously cure a blind child.
- ›She was arrested multiple times in 1794 but released due to her popularity and the fear of public unrest.
Catinon Menette
About Catherine Jarrige
Catherine Jarrige, also known in her local dialect as Catinon Menette, was a French Roman Catholic and Dominican tertiary who lived from October 4, 1754, to July 4, 1836. She is recognized for her profound dedication to charitable works and her courageous actions during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. Her life of heroic virtue led to her beatification in 1996.
Life and Historical Context
Born to poor peasants in Cantal, France, Catherine Jarrige's early life was marked by simple farm labor and domestic service. She moved to Mauriac to work as a lacemaker and, in 1776, became a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. She devoted herself to caring for the poor, collecting alms, and providing them with food, clothing, and spiritual comfort.
During the French Revolution, a time of intense anti-religious sentiment, Jarrige extended her charity and courage to protecting priests who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the new government. She hid them, procured sacred vessels and vestments for Mass, and served as a messenger, frequently risking her own life. Her efforts were instrumental in saving many priests, though one, François Filiol, was executed. A notable event after Filiol's execution involved Jarrige using some of his blood to cure a blind child, an act that led observers to believe she was in communion with a saint.
Jarrige was arrested several times by revolutionary authorities in 1794 but was released due to her widespread popularity, which raised fears of public unrest. After the Revolution, she continued her charitable activities, including visiting prisons and overseeing the restoration of a damaged parish church.
Beatification
Catherine Jarrige died in 1836. Her cause for beatification progressed over many decades, with her spiritual writings approved in 1921 and her cause formally opened in 1929. She was declared venerable by Pope Pius XII in 1953. Pope John Paul II officially beatified her on November 24, 1996, in Saint Peter's Square, recognizing a miracle attributed to her intercession. The Order of Preachers celebrates her feast day on July 4.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Catherine Jarrige born and when did she die?
Catherine Jarrige was born on October 4, 1754, and she died on July 4, 1836. Her life spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
What was Catherine Jarrige known for during the French Revolution?
During the French Revolution, Catherine Jarrige was known for protecting priests who refused to swear allegiance to the new regime. She hid them, provided them with necessities for Mass, and carried messages for them, all at great personal risk.
What is the significance of the event with François Filiol?
The execution of priest François Filiol was a significant event where Catherine Jarrige accompanied him in support. Afterward, she collected some of his blood, which was then used to miraculously cure a blind child, leading the executioner to exclaim that he had killed a saint.
When and by whom was Catherine Jarrige beatified?
Catherine Jarrige was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's Square on November 24, 1996. This followed the confirmation of a miracle attributed to her intercession.
What religious order was Catherine Jarrige associated with?
Catherine Jarrige was a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, also known as a Dominican tertiary. The Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, celebrate her feast day.
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