Saint Claudine Thévenet

Biography

Saint Claudine Thévenet, also known as Mary of Saint Ignatius, Mary of Saint Ignatius Thevenet, or Mother Saint Ignatius, was born on 30 March 1774 in Lyon, France. She belonged to a devout family and was raised in a pious environment. However, tragedy struck her family during the French Revolution when two of her brothers were murdered. Despite this devastating loss, Claudine's brothers demonstrated a remarkable faith and forgiveness by forgiving their killers and urging Claudine to do the same. Inspired by her brothers' example, Claudine felt called to dedicate her life serving others, specifically young working-class women. In collaboration with Father André Coindre, she established a group that eventually evolved into the Religious of Jesus and Mary (Sisters of Jesus-Marie) in Lyon in 1818. This religious order was focused on providing education to impoverished girls. Taking on the name Mary of Saint Ignatius, Claudine assumed the role of superior of the Sisters. Under Claudine's leadership, the Religious of Jesus and Mary flourished, and the order received papal approval from Pope Blessed Pius IX on 31 December 1847. Today, the congregation runs boarding schools, colleges, and retreat houses in Europe, India, and North America, continuing the important work of education and caring for the less fortunate. Saint Claudine Thévenet passed away on 3 February 1837 in Lyon, France, due to natural causes. Her life and holiness were widely recognized, and she was venerated on 6 February 1978 by Pope Paul VI, who declared her heroic virtues. Later, on 4 October 1981, Pope John Paul II beatified her, acknowledging her remarkable sanctity. Finally, on 21 March 1993, Pope John Paul II canonized her as a saint, affirming her enduring spiritual influence and her role as an intercessor. Although Saint Claudine Thévenet does not have a specific patronage attributed to her, she remains an inspiration for all who seek to imitate her deep faith, forgiveness, and dedication to serving the poor and marginalized.