"I did everything with the rosary"

Saint Marie Rivier (1768 - February 3, 1838) was a French nun, founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. She was canonized on May 15, 2022, in Rome and her feast day is on February 3.

She was only 16 months old when she fell out of her bunk bed and broke her hip and ankles, leaving her unable to walk. Her mother, who was very devout, entrusted her to the Virgin Mary and obtained her cure four years after the accident. Very soon a real dialogue was established between Our Lady and little Marinette (as she was called by her relatives) who promised Mary: "If you heal me, I will gather girls for you and I will teach them how to love you." She did indeed get well, but remained lame and in poor health.

A few years later she attempted to become a nun in the congregation of Notre-Dame de Pradelles, but was refused because of her health. 

At the age of 18, Marie Rivier opened a school in Montpezat-sous-Bauzon, her native village in Ardèche (Southeastern France). She was convinced that Christian education was the best way to evangelize young people and to promote reconciliation in general. She also took care of mothers of families, young girls, and facilitated assemblies without a priest.

When the French Revolution broke out, followed by the Reign of Terror, all religious activities became suspect to the government. While all the convents were closing, Marie Rivier, who was only 28 years old, opened her own in Thueyts (Ardèche department), where she also had a school, in 1794.

On November 21, 1796, the feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, Marie Rivier and her first four companions consecrated themselves to God. Five years later, in 1801, with the approval of the bishop of Vienne, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary was born and, in a few years, she founded 46 houses! 

When asked how, with failing health, she had so much energy, she replied: "I did everything with the rosary."

The Mary of Nazareth editorial team