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September 19

Maria Guillermina Emilia de Rodat (1787–1852)

Founding religious

Born in Pruelle, France, she founded the Congregation of the Holy Family in Villefranche-de-Rovergue, which included two types of nuns: the cloistered ones who were dedicated to the instruction of poor young women, and the others who went to care for the sick and destitute in their homes.

Biography

Emilia governed her institute so successfully that, upon her death, it was made up of forty houses spread across several countries. No one around him ever doubted the horrible pains that his soul endured for more than twenty years. She believed she had lost faith and hope, she considered herself a reprobate; that, without counting temptations of all kinds. He had to wait until the last years of his life to find inner peace again and for God to make him feel his friendship again.

Practical advice

In the midst of your ordinary work, forgive a small debt or a fault that still bothers you, remembering that holiness is built in the ordinary.

Example of

Self-givingPrayerFounding spirit

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