Blessed Alphonse-Marie Eppinger: Founder of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer

BLESSED. ALPHONES- MARIE EPPINGER

Blessed Alphonse-Marie Eppinger, born Élisabeth Eppinger on September 9, 1814, in Niederbronn-les-Bains, France, was a French Catholic nun and the founder of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick, particularly during epidemics such as the cholera outbreak in 1854. Her cause for sainthood was initiated in 2005, and she was beatified on September 9, 2018, in Strasbourg, France.

Élisabeth Eppinger was born on September 9, 1814, in Niederbronn-les-Bains, France, as the eldest of eleven children in a poor farming family. Despite facing various health challenges throughout her life, she developed a profound spiritual life marked by deep prayer and mystical experiences. In 1846, she began experiencing visions of Jesus Christ, leading to a series of mystical ecstasies. Her spiritual director, Father Jean-David Reichard, recognized her calling and encouraged her to establish a religious community. On August 28, 1849, with his support and that of Bishop Andreas Raess of Strasbourg, she founded the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer in Niederbronn-les-Bains. She took the religious name Mother Alphonse-Marie, honoring Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, and became the congregation's first superior. The order received diocesan approval shortly thereafter. In January 1850, she professed her final vows. The congregation aimed to serve the poor and sick, particularly during epidemics such as the cholera outbreak in 1854. Eppinger's cause for sainthood was initiated in 2005. In December 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared her "Venerable" after confirming her life of heroic virtue. A miracle attributed to her intercession—a healing that occurred in 1955—was recognized by Pope Francis in 2018, leading to her beatification. The ceremony took place on September 9, 2018, at Strasbourg Cathedral, with Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu presiding. Her congregation expanded internationally, with sisters serving in various countries, including Argentina and Angola. The order continues to provide holistic healthcare and social services, embodying her mission of mercy and compassion. Her feast day is celebrated annually on September 9.

Feast Day

9-9-2018

Birth Date

--1814

Died Date

31-7-1867

Canonised Date

--N/A

Niederbronn-les-Bains, France

Prayer Information Not Available
BLESSED. ALPHONES- MARIE EPPINGER

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BLESSED. ALPHONES- MARIE EPPINGER

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