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Blessed Rosalie Du Verdier De La Sorinière

Also known as: Sœur Saint Celeste

Blessed

Martyr

Post-Congregation

Feast Day: 27 January; 2 January as one of the Martyrs of Anjou

Born: 12 August 1745 in Saint-Pierre de Chemillé, Maine-et-Loire, France

Died: Guillotined on 27 January 1794 in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France

Beatified: 19 February 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

Venerated: 9 June 1983 by Pope John Paul II (decree of martyrdom)

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Biography

Blessed Rosalie Du Verdier De La Sorinière, also known as S≈ìur Saint Celeste, was a Benedictine nun of the diocese of Angers, France. She was born on August 12, 1745, in Saint-Pierre de Chemillé, Maine-et-Loire, France.

Rosalie Du Verdier De La Sorinière dedicated her life to serving God and entered the religious life. She joined the community of Benedictine nuns at the Monastery of Our Lady of Calvary in Angers. She took the religious name S≈ìur Saint Celeste, and she was known for her deep piety and commitment to her vocation.

Unfortunately, during the turbulent times of the French Revolution, the Catholic Church faced persecution. Many religious communities, including the Benedictine nuns of Our Lady of Calvary, were targeted. S≈ìur Saint Celeste, along with her fellow sisters, steadfastly remained faithful to their religious calling despite the dangers they faced.

Tragically, on January 27, 1794, S≈ìur Saint Celeste was martyred for her Christian faith. She was guillotined in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France, as part of the persecutions orchestrated during the French Revolution.

The courage and steadfastness with which S≈ìur Saint Celeste faced her martyrdom became an inspiration to many. She and her fellow martyrs from the diocese of Angers, including S≈ìur Marie-Madeleine (Mme Louise-Anne Lhuillier) and S≈ìur Marie-Anne (Mlle Marie-Anne Piedcourt), are collectively celebrated as the Martyrs of Angers on January 2. Additionally, S≈ìur Saint Celeste is specifically remembered on January 27.

Recognizing her heroic witness and sacrifice, Pope John Paul II declared the martyrdom of Blessed Rosalie Du Verdier De La Sorinière on June 9, 1983. Her beatification followed on February 19, 1984, when Pope John Paul II presided over the ceremony in Rome, Italy.

As a blessed and martyr, Blessed Rosalie Du Verdier De La Sorinière serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and dedication that believers can exhibit in the face of persecution. Her story continues to inspire and encourage Catholics around the world to stand firm in their faith, even in the most challenging circumstances.