World

SAINT PROFILE: JULIE MARY-MAGDALEN POSTEL

1756–1846; Feast: July 16

By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE     7/18/2017

In 1774 this Frenchwoman opened a school for girls in her hometown, Barfleur. During the Revolution, Barfleur was a center of underground religious activities, and Julie was given charge of the reserved Eucharist and allowed to bring Communion to the sick. She continued her teaching and good works. At age 51 she founded the Sisters of the Christian Schools of Mercy. Despite many obstacles, as Sister Mary-Magdalen she shepherded the congregation until her death, finding a headquarters and achieving formal recognition.