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| Saint Emily de Vialar, Pray for us! |
Saint Emily de Vialar, also known as Saint Émilie de Vialar, was a French nun and the foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to serving the poor, sick, and marginalized, as well as her pioneering spirit in missionary work. Here is a detailed account of her life:
Early Life:
Emily de Vialar was born on September 12, 1797, in Gaillac, France, to a wealthy and devout Catholic family. Her father, Baron James Augustine de Vialar, was a physician, and her mother, Antoinette Portal, was from a noble family. Emily was the eldest of three children and received a comprehensive education, including instruction in religion, literature, and music.
Calling to Religious Life:
From a young age, Emily felt a strong calling to dedicate her life to God and to the service of others. However, due to her family's expectations and the societal norms of the time, she faced significant obstacles in pursuing a religious vocation. After her mother's death and her father's disapproval, Emily remained at home to care for her siblings and manage household responsibilities.
Founding the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition:
In 1832, following her father's death, Emily inherited a substantial fortune. This financial independence allowed her to fulfill her long-held desire to establish a religious community. With the support of a few like-minded women, she founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition in Gaillac. The name "Apparition" was inspired by the biblical event of the angel appearing to Saint Joseph in a dream, directing him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt.
Missionary Work:
The congregation's mission was to care for the sick, educate children, and provide social services to those in need. Emily and her companions quickly became known for their dedication and effectiveness in their charitable endeavors. In 1835, the Bishop of Algiers invited them to open a mission in Algeria, marking the beginning of their missionary work. Emily and her sisters established hospitals, schools, and orphanages, serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Challenges and Expansion:
The congregation faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, health issues, and opposition from both secular authorities and within the Church. Despite these obstacles, Emily's unwavering faith and determination enabled the congregation to grow and expand its reach. By the time of her death, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition had established missions in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Later Life and Death:
Emily spent the latter part of her life traveling extensively to oversee and support the congregation's various missions. She continued to inspire and guide her sisters with her deep spirituality and commitment to their apostolic work. Saint Emily de Vialar died on August 24, 1856, in Marseille, France.
Beatification and Canonization:
Emily de Vialar was beatified by Pope Pius XII on May 18, 1939, and canonized by Pope Pius XII on June 24, 1951. Her feast day is celebrated on June 17th.
Legacy:
Saint Emily de Vialar's legacy endures through the continued work of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition, who remain active in various countries, providing education, healthcare, and social services to those in need. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity. Saint Emily de Vialar is remembered for her pioneering spirit, her dedication to serving the marginalized, and her profound trust in God's providence.
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