A portrait of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis
St. Marie-Léonie Paradis
May 12, 1840 – May 3, 1912
Feast
May 4 · XX c.
Patron of
Priests · Rectory housekeepers · The service of the clergy · Acadians
Order
Religious / Foundress
French-Canadian Acadian-born sister, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, a congregation devoted to supporting priests in their ministry through the humble work of cooking, cleaning, and laundry in seminaries and rectories. Her vocation, modeled on the Holy Family's ordinary service of Christ the Servant, has spread to over 200 institutions in Canada, the United States, Italy, Brazil, Haiti, Chile, Honduras, and Guatemala. She is the third Canadian-born canonized saint, after Sts. Marguerite d'Youville and André Bessette.
Life & Times
Also known as: Virginie-Alodie Paradis; Élodie Paradis; Mother Marie-Léonie · Born: May 12, 1840 · Died: May 3, 1912 · From: L'Acadie, Quebec; New York; Indiana; New Brunswick; Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Patronage
St. Marie-Léonie Paradis is invoked as the patron of priests, rectory housekeepers, the service of the clergy, acadians. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.