Blessed Marie Of The Incarnation

Biography

Blessed Marie of the Incarnation, also known as Barbara Aurillot, Barbara Avrillot, Barbe Acarie, Barbe Aurillot, Barbe Avrillot, Madame Acarie, Marie Acarie, and Mary of the Incarnation, was born on 1 February 1566 in Paris, France. She was the daughter of Nicholas Aurillot, a French government official.

Marie was educated at her aunt's convent at Longchamps where she developed a strong attraction to religious life. However, at the age of 16, she married Pierre Acarie, an aristocrat and treasury official. The couple had six children, three of whom later became Carmelites, and one became a priest.

Marie's husband, Pierre, supported the Catholic League against King Henry IV. However, when Henry ascended the throne, he seized the Acarie estates, causing financial hardships and forcing the family into exile from Paris. Determined to reclaim their property, Barbara went to court and successfully won the case, recovering part of their family fortune.

Throughout her life, Marie was deeply devoted to the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila. Her admiration and study of Saint Teresa's spiritual teachings inspired her to become actively involved in charitable works. Marie's dedication and goodness eventually earned her the admiration and support of King Henry.

In 1604, Marie brought the Discalced Carmelites of Saint Teresa to France, founding five Carmelite houses between 1604 and 1609. These establishments became centers of prayer and contemplation, following the principles laid down by Saint Teresa. Marie's efforts in establishing these Carmelite houses were instrumental in spreading the Discalced Carmelite spirituality throughout France.

After the death of her husband in 1606, Marie, at the age of 47, embraced the religious life herself. She became a Carmelite lay sister in 1613 at Amiens, France, taking the name Mary of the Incarnation. Under the guidance of her spiritual director, Saint Francis de Sales, she embraced a life of prayer, contemplation, and sacrifice.

Mary of the Incarnation was known for receiving visions, experiencing ecstasies, and displaying supernatural gifts. Her profound spiritual experiences deepened her union with God and strengthened her devotion to the Carmelite Order.

Blessed Marie of the Incarnation died on 18 April 1618 in Pontoise, France, from natural causes. Her exemplary virtues, holiness, and great contributions to the spread of Carmelite spirituality gained her veneration. On 15 October 1788, Pope Pius VI declared her heroic virtues, and on 5 June 1791, she was beatified by the same pope.

Today, Blessed Marie of the Incarnation is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and a faithful follower of Saint Teresa of Avila. Her life serves as an inspiration for her commitment to prayer, contemplation, and charitable works, as well as her dedication to the Carmelite Order.