Saint Anne-Marie Rivier: Life, Legacy, and Canonization

ST. ANNE-MARIE RIVIER

Saint Anne-Marie Rivier, born in France in 1768, was a visionary Catholic educator and founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. Despite physical challenges early in life, she devoted herself to teaching and establishing a congregation that focused on the education of orphans and underserved children. Her dedication to both faith and education was recognized by the Church, and she was beatified in 1982 and canonized in 2022. Her feast day is celebrated on February 3.

Saint Anne-Marie Rivier, born Marie Rivier on December 19, 1768, in Montpezat-sous-Bauzon, France, was a pioneering Catholic educator and the founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. She faced physical challenges early in life, including an injury that left her unable to walk until the age of five. Despite this, she grew up with a deep sense of faith and determination, which fueled her mission to educate others.

At the age of 18, Anne-Marie established a school in her hometown of Montpezat, combining both academic instruction and spiritual formation. This was the beginning of her lifelong commitment to education, and she soon realized that there was a greater need for religious-based education for orphans and underserved children. In 1796, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, focusing primarily on the education of young girls who lacked access to formal schooling. She sought to create an environment where children could grow spiritually, morally, and intellectually, shaping their futures while fostering a deep relationship with God.

Under her leadership, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary grew rapidly, and the order was formally approved by the Catholic Church in 1805, with papal recognition coming shortly thereafter. Over time, the order expanded beyond France, reaching countries around the world, and its focus on education for the marginalized continued to be the central mission of the community.

Saint Anne-Marie Rivier's tireless work for the education of the poor and the empowerment of women through religious formation left an enduring legacy. Her beatification process began in 1853 under Pope Pius IX, and she was declared venerable in 1889. After more than a century, her cause for canonization gained momentum under Pope John Paul II, and she was beatified on May 23, 1982, with the title "The Woman-Apostle." Her canonization was completed by Pope Francis on May 15, 2022, recognizing her holiness and devotion to the Church and education.

Saint Anne-Marie Rivier died on February 3, 1838, in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, France. Her feast day is celebrated annually on February 3 in honor of her contributions to education and her religious community. Today, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary continue to carry out her legacy, serving communities with a special focus on education and social justice.

Feast Day

3-2-1838

Birth Date

19-12-1768

Died Date

3-2-1838

Canonised Date

15-5-2022

Bourg-Saint-Andéol, France

St. Anne-Marie Rivier, Foundress and servant of God's love, Pray for us to live with deep faith and compassion. Help us to dedicate our lives to serving others, And to follow Christ’s example of humility and love. Amen.
ST. ANNE-MARIE RIVIER

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ST. ANNE-MARIE RIVIER

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