Marie-Madeleine Postel
Marie-Madeleine Postel was a French Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools. She is remembered for her dedication to education and her courageous actions during the French Revolution, where she housed fugitive priests at great personal risk. Postel's beatification and canonization recognized her virtuous life and contributions to religious education.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Marie-Madeleine Postel was born Julie Françoise-Catherine Postel on November 28, 1756, in Barfleur, Normandy.
- ›She founded a school for girls in Barfleur in 1774, which later served as a center for underground religious activities during the French Revolution.
- ›During the Revolution, she used her school to house fugitive priests, risking her own life.
- ›Postel taught and catechized around 300 children in Cherbourg after the Revolution.
- ›She founded the Sisters of the Christian Schools on September 8, 1807.
- ›Postel was beatified in 1908 and canonized in 1925.
Julie Françoise-Catherine Postel
Sisters of Christian Schools, Third Order of Saint Francis
About Marie-Madeleine Postel
Marie-Madeleine Postel, born Julie Françoise-Catherine Postel on November 28, 1756, in Barfleur, Normandy, was a French Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools. Her life was marked by a profound commitment to faith, education, and service, particularly during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.
Life and Historical Context
Born to fisherman Jean Postel and Thérèse Levallois, Marie-Madeleine Postel received her education from Benedictine nuns in Valognes. It was during this time that she discerned a call to religious life and took a private vow of chastity. In 1774, she founded a school for girls in Barfleur. This institution later became a vital center for clandestine religious activities during the French Revolution, serving those who opposed the new regime.
Despite the closure of her school at the Revolution's onset, Postel continued her mission. She received authorization to keep the Blessed Sacrament in her home and bravely administered it to the sick and dying, even carrying it on her person. Although suspected by the Jacobins, she was never formally accused or apprehended.
Following the Revolution, Postel resumed her teaching and catechizing in Cherbourg, educating approximately 300 children. In 1798, she made her religious profession into the Third Order of Saint Francis, adopting her religious name. On September 8, 1807, she founded the Sisters of the Christian Schools in Cherburg.
Founding the Sisters of Christian Schools and Later Life
The order experienced limited success until 1832, when Postel acquired a derelict convent in St-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, which became the headquarters and spurred growth. The Bishop of Coutances, Claude-Louis Rousseau, granted diocesan approval, and the order later received a papal decree of praise from Pope Pius IX in 1859, followed by full papal approval in 1901. The order's rule was initially based on the Franciscan Third Order, but was revised in 1837 to align with that of the De La Salle Brothers, also leading to a name change for the congregation.
Marie-Madeleine Postel died in 1846. Her legacy endures through her order, which continues its work internationally, including in Romania and Mozambique, and by 2005 comprised 442 religious in 69 locations worldwide.
Canonization
The process for Postel's canonization commenced under Pope Leo XIII in 1897, who declared her a Servant of God. Pope Leo XIII later proclaimed her Venerable on May 31, 1903, recognizing her heroic virtue. Pope Pius X beatified her on May 17, 1908, after approving two miracles attributed to her intercession. Finally, Pope Pius XI canonized her on May 24, 1925, following the confirmation of two additional miracles.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marie-Madeleine Postel?
Marie-Madeleine Postel, born Julie Françoise-Catherine Postel, was a French Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools. She lived from 1756 to 1846.
What is Marie-Madeleine Postel known for?
She is chiefly remembered for founding the Sisters of Christian Schools and for her courageous actions during the French Revolution, where she sheltered fugitive priests. She was also a dedicated schoolteacher.
When was Marie-Madeleine Postel canonized?
Marie-Madeleine Postel was beatified in 1908 and later canonized by Pope Pius XI in mid-1925.
What did Marie-Madeleine Postel do during the French Revolution?
During the French Revolution, she used her then-disbanded school to house fugitive priests, despite the great risk this posed to her own life. She also carried the Blessed Sacrament to provide the Viaticum to the ill and dying.
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