Marie-Léonie Paradis
Marie-Léonie Paradis was a French-Canadian Catholic religious sister who founded the Little Sisters of the Holy Family in 1880, dedicated to domestic needs in Canadian education. Beatified in 1984 by Pope John Paul II, she was canonized in October 2024 by Pope Francis, becoming one of the few Canadian-born saints.
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Canada
Key Facts
- ›She was born Virginie-Alodie Paradis on may 12, 1840, in Quebec, Canada.
- ›Paradis became a candidate for the Marianites of Saint-Laurent in Montreal in 1854 and pronounced her vows in 1857.
- ›She established the Little Sisters of the Holy Family on may 31, 1880.
- ›The community received diocesan approval in Sherbrooke, Quebec, on January 26, 1896.
- ›Pope John Paul II beatified her on September 11, 1984.
- ›Pope Francis canonized her on October 20, 2024.
Virginie-Alodie Paradis, Élodie Paradis, Marie de Sainte-Léonie
Marianites of Saint-Laurent, Sisters of Holy Cross, Little Sisters of the Holy Family
About Marie-Léonie Paradis
Marie-Léonie Paradis, born Virginie-Alodie Paradis (May 12, 1840 – May 3, 1912), was a French-Canadian Catholic religious sister renowned for founding the Little Sisters of the Holy Family. This congregation, established in 1880, is dedicated to fulfilling domestic needs within the educational sector across Canada. Her life of dedicated service and virtue led to her beatification and eventual canonization.
Life and Ministry
Born in Quebec, Paradis was the third of six children, though only three survived to adulthood. She received her education from the Sisters of Notre Dame. At the age of fourteen, she entered the congregation of the Marianites of Saint-Laurent in Montreal, pronouncing her vows in 1857 and taking the religious name Marie de Sainte-Léonie, later shortened to Marie-Léonie. After teaching in Montreal for several years, she was sent to Manhattan in 1862 to work in an orphanage run by her congregation. In 1870, she joined the Sisters of Holy Cross in Indiana, where she taught French and needlework.
In 1874, Paradis was appointed novice mistress at the Collège Saint-Joseph in Memramcook, New Brunswick, a role that highlighted the need for basic support in housekeeping and culinary departments at the institution.
Founding the Little Sisters of the Holy Family
On May 31, 1880, Marie-Léonie Paradis established the Little Sisters of the Holy Family. After facing initial difficulties in obtaining approval from Bishop John Sweeny of New Brunswick, she successfully persuaded Bishop Paul LaRocque of Sherbrooke in 1895 to receive the motherhouse and novitiate into his diocese. This led to canonical approval on January 26, 1896, and the community relocated to Quebec. Paradis eventually relinquished her habit from her former congregation on October 2, 1904, adopting that of the new one, and was released from her obligations to the Holy Cross Congregation by Pope Pius X in 1905.
Beatification and Canonization
Marie-Léonie Paradis' cause for sainthood began with a diocesan process in Sherbrooke in 1952. Pope John Paul II recognized her heroic virtue in 1981, declaring her venerable. He beatified her on September 11, 1984, in Montreal, following the approval of a miracle attributed to her intercession. A second miracle was investigated and approved by Pope Francis on January 24, 2024. This miracle involved the healing of an infant suffering from severe perinatal complications. Marie-Léonie Paradis was canonized by Pope Francis on October 20, 2024, becoming the third Canadian-born saint.
Death
Paradis' health declined significantly due to a serious illness. She died suddenly on May 3, 1912, shortly after receiving the last sacraments, having been granted permission to publish the rule of the Little Sisters on the morning of her death. Her remains were exhumed on October 4, 1935.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marie-Léonie Paradis?
Marie-Léonie Paradis was a French-Canadian Catholic religious sister, born Virginie-Alodie Paradis. She is known for establishing the Little Sisters of the Holy Family in 1880.
What was the purpose of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family?
The Little Sisters of the Holy Family were dedicated to addressing the domestic needs in the field of education across Canada. This included support in housekeeping and culinary departments.
When was Marie-Léonie Paradis beatified and canonized?
Pope John Paul II beatified Marie-Léonie Paradis when he visited Canada in 1984. Pope Francis canonized her in October 2024.
What was her religious background before founding her order?
Before establishing her own congregation, Paradis was a member of the Marianites of Saint-Laurent in Montreal and later joined the Sisters of Holy Cross in Indiana. She taught in various capacities within these congregations.
Where did the Little Sisters of the Holy Family receive approval?
After initial requests were not forthcoming, Paradis persuaded Bishop Paul LaRocque of Sherbrooke to receive the motherhouse and novitiate into his diocese. Canonical approval was granted on January 26, 1896.
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