Venerable Anne de Guigné
Stored in Cargo: Venerable Anne de Guigné
| Venerable Anne de Guigné | |
| Feast Day | |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Annecy-le-Vieux, Haute-Savoie, France |
| Death Place | Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, France |
| Cause of Death | meningitis |
| Primary Shrine | Family tomb, Cannes, France (private) |
Venerable Anne de Guigné (April 25, 1911 – January 14, 1922) was a French child whose short life of conversion from willful behavior to profound holiness has inspired devotion, particularly as a model for childhood sanctity.[1] Born to Count Jacques de Guigné and Antoinette de Charette in Annecy-le-Vieux, she was the eldest of four children in a noble Catholic family with royal Bourbon ancestry through her mother.
Declared Venerable on March 3, 1990, by Pope John Paul II after recognition of heroic virtue, Anne's cause—opened in 1932—remains at this stage as of late 2025, awaiting an authenticated miracle for beatification.[2] No official feast day exists, though her memory is honored privately on January 14 (death).
Biography
Birth
Venerable Anne de Guigné was born on April 25, 1911, in Annecy-le-Vieux, Haute-Savoie, France, to Count Jacques de Guigné and Antoinette de Charette.[3] The family estate reflected noble heritage, with maternal links to French royalty.
Baptized soon after birth, Anne grew up in a devout household during World War I's early years. Her father served as an officer, leaving the family often.
As the eldest, Anne assumed responsibility early. Contemporaries described her initial strong will.
Early Life
Anne's childhood began with willful traits; family accounts note jealousy toward siblings and resistance to authority.[4] Teachers found her intelligent but stubborn.
The death of her father in World War I on July 25, 1915, profoundly affected her at age four. Hearing the news, she resolved to “be good” for her mother's sake.
This conversion marked dramatic change: from willful child to model of obedience and charity. She comforted her mother and siblings, practicing self-denial.
Sacramental life deepened; she received First Communion at age five (with dispensation) on March 26, 1917, and Confirmation soon after.
Occupation
As a child, Anne had no formal occupation, but family and school life centered on formation. She studied at home and convent schools, excelling despite health.
Her “occupation” became informal apostolate: praying for sinners, visiting poor, and guiding siblings spiritually.
Vocation
Anne's vocation emerged through childhood conversion. She desired to “become a saint” explicitly, offering small sacrifices.
Mystical graces, including visions and interior locutions, deepened her union with God. She practiced heroic obedience and charity.
Health decline from 1921 brought suffering accepted joyfully. Her vocation as child saint inspired contemporaries.
Death
In late 1921, Anne contracted meningitis. She endured intense pain with patience, offering it for souls.
On January 14, 1922, she died peacefully in Cannes at age ten, surrounded by family. Last words expressed joy in seeing God.
Immediate reputation for holiness spread; funeral drew crowds. Body exhumed in 1933 showed preservation signs.
Venerable Anne de Guigné met her end peacefully in childhood.
Significant events
- Father's death, July 25, 1915.
- First Communion at age five, March 26, 1917.
- Illness began, late 1921.
- Died January 14, 1922.
- Cause opened 1932.
- Declared Venerable March 3, 1990.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Annecy-le-Vieux, Haute-Savoie, France
Death location: Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Notable location: Winter family home and death place (Villa Saint-Benoît, Cannes, France (historical))
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Parishes
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Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
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| Venerable Anne de Guigne, the little girl who had a conversion at the age of 4 | 15–30 minutes | Wholly Catholic |
Shrines
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No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
Canonization
Servant of God
Cause opened 1932.
Venerable
Declared Venerable March 3, 1990 by Pope John Paul II.
Beatification
Not yet beatified.
Canonization
Not canonized.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles as of late 2025; reported favors include healings and conversions.
Patronage
No official patronage.
Feast day
No official feast day.
Veneration
Venerable Anne de Guigné is remembered privately on January 14.
External links
References
- ↑ "Anne de Guigné". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_de_Guign%C3%A9.
- ↑ "Stages in Canonization". Association des Amis d'Anne de Guigné. https://www.annedeguigne.fr/en/beatification-cause/stages-in-canonization.html.
- ↑ "Anne de Guigné". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_de_Guign%C3%A9.
- ↑ "A Great Soul". Association des Amis d'Anne de Guigné. https://www.annedeguigne.fr/en/biography/a-great-soul.html.