In this article, discover the richness of the spiritual, historical, and religious heritage left to us by Quebec’s women saints and blesseds: Saint Marguerite d’Youville, Saint Marie-Léonie Paradis, Saint Kateri in Kahnawake, and Blessed Marie-Rose.
The Face of Women, the Face of God
What do these women have in common? They were a presence.
But a presence of whom? In the times of upheaval in which they lived, they sought to remind us that Christ draws near to His people. Like Kateri, being a “presence” sometimes means encountering the novelty of the Gospel message, which challenges men and women in their habits.
He allows us time to adore in silence, like the “Lily of the Mohawks,” this God who draws near. He allows us, as He did for Marguerite, to choose no side amidst the world’s tribulations other than that of the poor Christ—seen in the abandoned child, the wounded soldier, and the destitute elder.
He compels us to renounce titles and positions, like the Widow d’Youville, to be captivated by the love of Christ and to know how to give thanks even when everything collapses.
He helps us, as He did for Eulalie Durocher, to take root in the patience of illness and a life hidden in the work of a cook and sacristan—allowing ourselves to be touched by poverty until the day the dream of becoming a religious sister blooms under the name Marie-Rose.
He opens us to the greatness of the “always more” and the beautiful, putting us at the service of Him called the “Fairest of the children of men,” Christ. Finally, like Mother Marie-Léonie, He makes us collaborators in the mission of priests, for “nothing is small when the gesture is done with love.”
Treasures of Wisdom from Our Quebec Saints and Blesseds
To be sure, none of them made a great noise. And yet… If it is true that Kateri’s smallpox-scarred face became beautiful again upon her death, perhaps her example can teach us to see beauty in our own history—wounded, certainly, but crying out for reconciliation? Could the small steps we must take not be done “groping our way,” which is what “Tekakwitha” actually means? What if Kateri’s example were a possible source for becoming the presence of Christ in our society; a step-by-step presence to meet others in their darkness and challenges?
If it is true that a daisy (marguerite) is plucked to let us know if we are loved “a little” or “a lot,” why couldn’t the “stripping away” experienced by Marguerite d’Youville serve as a path or starting point for how we act toward the least among us?
If it is true that everything is calculated and our world runs on profit, why not take a pause with Marie-Rose to open ourselves to the beauty of the “superfluous”—to the music emanating from the heart of the beloved toward the Divine Redeemer? Driven by a love for the names of Jesus and Mary, why not proclaim that loving is never superfluous, and that helping the poor who lack access to education is a wealth, not an expense?
And if it is true that the priest is a central figure in our Church, perhaps we can—like Marie-Léonie and the Little Sisters of the Holy Family she founded—place ourselves at the service of the Pastors sent to edify us, praying for those who must raise their arms like Moses for our victory.
Nothing is small when one is in the school of service. Each of these women reminds us of this, bringing to life the quote from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (for Saint Bernard is much more than just a border crossing): “The measure of love is to love without measure.”
This is why taking the time to discover these figures who have dotted the spiritual landscape of Montérégie and the Eastern Townships is not merely a matter of curiosity. If we take an interest, their lives can be a spark—even a starting point—to go out and meet the “other” and the “OTHER.”
By Father Simon Roy.
N.B.: Discover our [next pilgrimage in Quebec], as well as the [next pilgrimage accompanied by Father Simon Roy].
