This French girl organized her farm family in daily silence and prayer. During the Revolution, she rescued people, warned priests and taught children the catechism. A private vow of virginity in 1798 led her to try religious life unsuccessfully. She set up a school for poor children, and in 1807 she and other women began the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. Her own effort to join the order’s growing missionary work in French colonies was cut short by illness. Despite controversy, the order flourished and Anne Marie is highly regarded for her treatment of blacks in the 19th century.
