March 6
Mary of Providence
Religious missionary founder
(1825-1871)María Eugenia Smet was born in Lille, France.
Biography
She was always a pious and charitable young woman, with a great inclination towards religious life. On the advice of the Holy Curé of Ars and other priests, she joined with other young women to found the community of the “Auxiliaries of the Souls in Purgatory.” Although she had a stubborn and domineering character, María de la Providencia managed, with the help of the grace of God and her confessor, to improve significantly. In his last years he patiently suffered from a painful cancer that led to his death. She founded several convents and sent nuns as missionaries to China. Today there are 119 houses around the world with 1,100 nuns who are dedicated to health ministry and social ministry.
Practical advice
When you begin your work, thank the Virgin for a favor received and share it simply with peace, perseverance and good humor.