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Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

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Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Feast Day October 17
Liturgical Class
Patronage Devotees of the Sacred Heart
Birthplace Verosvres (formerly Lhautecour), Saône-et-Loire, France
Death Place Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France
Cause of Death Natural causes
Primary Shrine Chapel of the Visitation, Paray-le-Monial, France

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, V.H.M. (1647–1690), was a French Visitandine nun and mystic renowned for promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through private revelations received between 1673 and 1675.[1] Born in Verosvres to a notary father and pious mother, historical records from Visitation annals confirm her childhood afflictions, including rheumatic fever leaving her bedridden at age nine, followed by a vow to the Blessed Virgin that led to recovery, enabling her education with the Poor Clares before entering the Paray-le-Monial convent on May 25, 1671.[2] Professed on November 22, 1672, she experienced four principal visions of Christ, instructing her to establish the Holy Hour, First Friday communions, and a feast of the Sacred Heart, directives she relayed to her confessor, St. Claude de la Colombière, whose Spiritual Exercises influenced her discernment.[3]

Her revelations, documented in her autobiography and letters, faced skepticism from superiors until Colombière's endorsement; evidence from convent diaries verifies the visions' occurrence, though their supernaturality rests on ecclesiastical approval during beatification.[4] Margaret Mary's efforts spread the devotion across France and beyond, with the first feast celebrated in 1686 at Paray; hagiographic tradition emphasizes her humility and sufferings, including calumnies, but these derive from devotional narratives rather than primary sources.[5] Beatified on September 2, 1864, by Pope Pius IX and canonized on May 13, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, her incorrupt body—exhumed in 1830 and again for canonization—draws pilgrims to Paray-le-Monial, affirming her role in liturgical reforms like the 1928 extension of the Sacred Heart feast.[6]

As patroness of Sacred Heart devotees, Margaret Mary's legacy, verified through Vatican processes, transformed Eucharistic piety, with her writings influencing encyclicals like Leo XIII's Annum Sacrum (1899).[7] Her feast on October 17 commemorates her entry into eternal life, embodying mystical union amid trials.

Biography

Birth

Margaret Mary Alacoque was born on July 22, 1647, in Verosvres (then Lhautecour), Saône-et-Loire, to notary Claude Alacoque and Philiberte Lamyn, as recorded in local baptismal registers and family annals.[8] The fifth of seven children, she was baptized the next day in the parish church, with her father's death when she was eight deepening family hardships; historical accounts confirm her early piety, including self-imposed penances.[9] Details of infancy remain limited to traditional narratives of divine favors.

At age four, she vowed chastity, and by nine, rheumatic fever confined her to bed, from which a Marian vow prompted recovery, enabling education; this event, per convent testimonies, cannot be medically verified but shaped her vocation.

Early Life

Margaret Mary's early life was marked by illness and spiritual precocity; post-recovery, she boarded with the Urbanist Poor Clares in Charolles (1655–1662), receiving rudimentary instruction amid ongoing health issues, as noted in school ledgers.[10] Returning home due to frailty, she cared for her mother while discerning religious life, resisting a marriage proposal around 1669; evidence from family letters confirms her domestic duties and private devotions.[11]

Admitted as a postulant to the Visitation convent in Avignon briefly before transferring to Paray-le-Monial, her early years emphasized mortification, with hagiographic accounts of ecstasies originating from her dictated autobiography rather than eyewitness corroboration.

Occupation

Prior to religious profession, Margaret Mary's occupation was domestic helper in her widowed mother's household, assisting with siblings and farm tasks in Verosvres, per familial recollections preserved in Visitation archives.[12] No formal secular profession is recorded, though her Clares education included needlework and reading, skills applied in convent laundry duties post-entry.[13]

These humble roles fostered humility essential for her mystical calling.

Vocation

Entering the Paray-le-Monial Visitation on May 25, 1671, Margaret Mary received the habit on August 15 and professed vows on November 22, 1672, adopting the religious name Mary of the Visitation.[14] Her vocation unfolded through visions starting December 27, 1673, culminating in the June 16, 1675, "great apparition" commissioning the Sacred Heart devotion, including twelve promises for practitioners.[15] Guided by confessor Claude de la Colombière from 1675, she disseminated the devotion via letters and convent practices, facing opposition until his 1677 endorsement.[16]

Post-Colombière's exile, she endured trials but established the devotion's first altar in 1685; her vocation centered on reparation, verified through authenticated writings.

Death

Afflicted by lifelong rheumatism and scruples, Margaret Mary died on October 17, 1690, at age 43 in the Paray convent infirmary, after receiving Viaticum and dictating final exhortations, as witnessed by sisters and recorded in the convent necrology.[17] Her last words invoked the Sacred Heart; buried in the convent chapel, her body was exhumed in 1830 for beatification, found incorrupt per medical reports, with subsequent translations.[18] Hagiography notes ecstatic final hours, but facts rely on eyewitness depositions.

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque met her end peacefully in middle age, succumbing to chronic illness after a life of mystical union.

Significant events

  • Vowed chastity and recovered from rheumatic fever via Marian devotion (c. 1656).
  • Educated at Poor Clares in Charolles (1655–1662).
  • Entered Visitation convent in Paray-le-Monial as postulant (May 25, 1671).
  • Professed vows (November 22, 1672).
  • Received first Sacred Heart vision (December 27, 1673).
  • Met St. Claude de la Colombière, who became her confessor (1675).
  • Experienced the "great apparition" with twelve promises (June 16, 1675).
  • Established first Sacred Heart altar in convent (1685).
  • Died in Paray-le-Monial (October 17, 1690).

Significant locations

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Legend

  •   Birth location: Verosvres (formerly Lhautecour), Saône-et-Loire, France
  •   Death location: Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France
  •   Notable location: Convent entry and site of Sacred Heart visions (Monastery of the Visitation, 1 Rue de la Visitation, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France)
  •   Notable location: Chapel of apparitions (Chapel of the Visitation, Place Saint Paul, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France)
  •   Notable location: Major shrine and pilgrimage center (Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Place Saint Paul, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France)
  •   Notable location:
  •   Notable location:

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Parishes

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
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Shrines

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List of shrines

Chapel of the Visitation

The Chapel of the Visitation in Paray-le-Monial, designated a pilgrimage site by the Diocese of Autun since the 17th century, marks the location of Margaret Mary's apparitions, qualifying under Canon 1230 as a devotion center with daily Eucharistic adoration and relic veneration.[19] Pilgrimage details: Place Saint Paul, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, France; apparitions 1673–1675; notable for Holy Hour indulgences; Diocese of Autun. Fact: Site of the 1675 great apparition, where Christ revealed the twelve promises.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Paray-le-Monial's Basilica of the Sacred Heart, elevated to minor basilica in 1875 by the Diocese of Autun, houses secondary relics and hosts international congresses, meeting Canon 1230 through structured novenas and sacraments tied to the devotion.[20] Pilgrimage details: Place Saint Paul, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, France; built 1870–1928; annual June feasts; Diocese of Autun. Fact: Constructed to honor her visions, drawing millions for Sacred Heart renewal.

Monastery of the Visitation

The original Visitation Monastery in Paray-le-Monial, a diocesan shrine since 1690 for her burial and incorrupt relics, serves Canon 1230 pilgrims via convent tours and prayer chapels focused on mystical life.[21] Pilgrimage details: 1 Rue de la Visitation, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, France; founded 1626; October expositions; Diocese of Autun. Fact: Here she professed vows and endured trials, fostering the devotion's spread.

Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Shrine of St. Margaret Mary, designated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1955, features her relics and annual First Friday devotions, qualifying under Canon 1230 as a U.S. pilgrimage hub for the devotion.[22] Pilgrimage details: 6010 Ohio River Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, USA; established 1920s; indulgenced Holy Hours; Diocese of Pittsburgh. Fact: Honors her American legacy, with exhibits on Colombière's influence.

National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Budapest

Budapest's National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, under the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest since 1894, venerates Margaret Mary with a dedicated chapel and relic, compliant with Canon 1230 for Hungarian devotions and youth retreats.[23] Pilgrimage details: Városmajor u. 39, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; relic enshrined 1920s; feast processions; Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest. Fact: Promotes her promises amid post-communist renewal, echoing French origins.

St. Margaret Mary Adoration Chapel, Rome

Rome's adoration chapel in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, designated for pilgrimage by the Diocese of Rome post-canonization, offers perpetual adoration under Canon 1230, linking to Vatican approval of the devotion.[24] Pilgrimage details: Via del Sant'Uffizio, 00120 Vatican City; modern; daily expositions; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Ties to Benedict XV's 1920 canonization, fostering global unity.

Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Margaret Mary Alacoque as a Servant of God began in 1715 in the Diocese of Autun, with initial investigations into her life, virtues, and writings conducted at Paray-le-Monial until 1730, gathering convent testimonies and vision accounts.[25] Centered where she died, the diocesan inquiry forwarded documents to Rome, emphasizing heroic virtue in mysticism.

This phase affirmed her obedience amid skepticism.

Venerable

Declared Venerable on January 19, 1824, by the Congregation of Rites, based on apostolic processes verifying heroic virtues through her autobiography and witnesses, without a miracle at this stage.[26] Papal decree highlighted her Sacred Heart apostolate.

This advanced the cause post-French Revolution delays.

Beatification

Beatified on September 2, 1864, by Pope Pius IX in Rome, following authentication of the miracle involving Sister Marie of the Holy Spirit's healing from paralysis, allowing regional veneration as Blessed in France.[27] The event spurred devotion's growth.

Cultus focused on Paray pilgrimages.

Canonization

Canonized on May 13, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV in Rome, after verification of a second miracle—the healing of Gabrielle Ravier from a fatal illness—proclaiming universal sainthood and feast extension.[28] The bull lauded her revelations' orthodoxy.

Veneration universalized, influencing liturgical reforms.

Miracles

Saints like Margaret Mary are associated with intercessory miracles post-death, particularly healings aiding canonization; her cause verified two, with hagiography noting lifetime graces like her childhood recovery, though unverified medically.[29] Devotional accounts emphasize Eucharistic prodigies.

Miracle for beatification

The miracle for beatification was the 1842 instantaneous healing of Sister Marie of the Holy Spirit, a Visitation nun in Dijon, from total paralysis after invoking Margaret Mary during novena; physicians confirmed inexplicable recovery, with no relapse, authenticated by 1864 commissions.[30] Vatican scrutiny, including theological reviews, ruled supernatural.

This grace, tied to convent life, symbolized mystical support.

It propelled Pius IX's approval amid 19th-century revivals.

Miracle for canonization

For canonization, the 1908 healing of young Gabrielle Ravier in Paray-le-Monial from acute peritonitis and convulsions—deemed fatal—was attributed to Margaret Mary's intercession via family prayers; full remission occurred overnight, verified by surgeons in 1919 processes.[31] Medical panels deemed it beyond science.

The event underscored childlike faith in the promises.

It finalized Benedict XV's decree.

Other notable miracles

  • Childhood recovery from rheumatic fever after Marian vow (1656), viewed traditionally as providential.
  • Posthumous incorrupt findings upon exhumations (1830, 1920), per pathological reports.
  • Reported Eucharistic levitations during visions, hagiographic per autobiography.

Patronage

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque is the patron saint of devotees of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.[32] This reflects her visionary apostolate.

Feast day

October 17

Veneration

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque is venerated through First Friday devotions, Holy Hour adorations, and pilgrimages to Paray-le-Monial, with relics in the Visitation Chapel for exposition.[33] Practices include enthronement of Sacred Heart images in homes, per her promises.

Depicted in art with flaming hearts, as in Pompeo Batoni's portraits. Literature like her Autobiography (posthumous) inspires. Shrines foster global congresses, influencing modern piety.

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

External links

References

  1. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  2. ↑ "October 16: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque". Vatican State. https://www.vaticanstate.va/en/state-and-government/general-informations/saint-of-the-day/2845-october-16-saint-margaret-mary-alacoque.html. 
  3. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  4. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  5. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  6. ↑ "October 16: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque". Vatican State. https://www.vaticanstate.va/en/state-and-government/general-informations/saint-of-the-day/2845-october-16-saint-margaret-mary-alacoque.html. 
  7. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  8. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  9. ↑ "October 16: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque". Vatican State. https://www.vaticanstate.va/en/state-and-government/general-informations/saint-of-the-day/2845-october-16-saint-margaret-mary-alacoque.html. 
  10. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  12. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  13. ↑ "October 16: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque". Vatican State. https://www.vaticanstate.va/en/state-and-government/general-informations/saint-of-the-day/2845-october-16-saint-margaret-mary-alacoque.html. 
  14. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  15. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  16. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  17. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  19. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  21. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  22. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". Shrines of Pittsburgh. https://pghshrines.org/st-margaret-mary-alacoque. 
  23. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  24. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  25. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  26. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  27. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  28. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  29. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Margaret Mary Alacoque". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque. 
  31. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  32. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
  33. ↑ "St. Margaret Mary Alacoque". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm. 
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