Venerated in Roman Catholic Church Beatified 26 May 1957 | Feast February 7 | |
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Died 7 February 1871, Paris, France Organization founded Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls Similar Marie‑Eugénie de Jésus, Rosalie Rendu, Anne‑Marie Javouhey, Madeleine Sophie Barat, Louise de Marillac | ||
Blessed Eugénie Smet A.P. (25 March 1825 in Lille – 7 February 1871), also known as sœur Marie de la Providence, was a French nun who founded the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls in 1856. Her feast day is 7 February.
Biography
The Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls was founded by Blessed Eugenia Smet, A.P. She was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Lille. She went to Paris on 19 January 1856 (the society dates its foundation from this day); three days later, Smet obtained the permission of the local archbishop to establish her congregation in Paris. On 27 December 1857, as founder, with five of her first companions, pronounced her first religious vows. A Jesuit was appointed chaplain, and composed the rule of the congregation.