St. Emily de Vialar
Virgin, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph "of the Apparition"
📖 Life of St. Emily de Vialar
Anne Marguerite Adelaide Emily de Vialar was the eldest child and only daughter of Baron James Augustine de Vialar and his wife Antoinette, daughter of that Baron de Portal who was physician-in-ordinary to Louis XVIII and Charles X of France. She was born at Gaillac in Languedoc in 1797.
At the age of fifteen she was removed from school in Paris to be companion to her father, now a widower, at Gaillac; but unhappily, differences arose between them because of Emily's refusal to consider a suitable marriage.
For fifteen years, Emily was the good angel of Gaillac, devoting herself to the care of children neglected by their parents and to the help of the poor generally. In 1832, her maternal grandfather died, leaving her a share of his estate which was a quite considerable fortune.
She bought a large house at Gaillac and took possession of it with three companions. Others joined them and three months later, the archbishop authorized the Abbe to clothe twelve postulants with the religious habit. They called themselves the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition.
Their work was to be the care of the needy, especially the sick, and the education of children. In 1835, she made her profession with seventeen other sisters, and received formal approval for the rule of the Congregation.
🌟 Legacy of St. Emily de Vialar: Foundress and Servant of the Poor
Spiritual Legacy
St. Emily de Vialar represents the power of a single woman's determination to serve God and the poor. Her life demonstrates that even in the face of family opposition and personal suffering, one can achieve great things for the Kingdom of God through faith, perseverance, and love.
Foundress of a Religious Congregation
The foundress, in the course of twenty-two years, saw her Congregation grow from one to some forty houses, many of which she had founded in person. Her vision of serving the needy, especially the sick, and educating children continues to inspire the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition today.
Model of Charity and Service
For fifteen years before founding her congregation, Emily was known as "the good angel of Gaillac," caring for neglected children and helping the poor. Her commitment to charity, even at the cost of her own health, shows her deep love for Christ in the least of His brothers and sisters.
Witness to Perseverance
The physical energy and achievements of St. Emily de Vialar are the more remarkable in that from her youth she was troubled by hernia, contracted characteristically in doing a deed of charity. Despite her suffering, she continued her mission until her death, leaving her daughters with the simple but profound testament: "Love one another."
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Emily de Vialar, Virgin
Liturgical Celebration
St. Emily de Vialar is celebrated on June 17th, commemorating her life of service and dedication to God. This feast day is particularly significant for the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition and for all who work in healthcare and education.
Traditions and Customs
On this day, many Catholics pray for those working in healthcare, for educators, and for those serving the poor. It's also a day to celebrate the contributions of women religious and to give thanks for their service to the Church.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the sick, for those in need, and to ask for St. Emily's intercession in serving others with love and dedication.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Healthcare Workers: Patron of those caring for the sick
- • Educators: Patron of teachers and educational workers
- • Religious Foundresses: Patron of women founding religious orders
- • Charitable Works: Patron of those serving the poor
- • Neglected Children: Patron of children in need
- • Women Religious: Patron of sisters and nuns
Special Intentions
- • Family Reconciliation: Helper for healing family conflicts
- • Perseverance in Suffering: Patron of those enduring illness
- • Religious Vocations: Helper for those discerning religious life
- • Charitable Organizations: Patron of groups serving the needy
- • Overcoming Opposition: Helper for those facing resistance
- • Love and Unity: Patron of communities seeking harmony
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Emily de Vialar
"St. Emily de Vialar, you who devoted your life to serving the poor and educating children, help us to see Christ in all those in need. Intercede for healthcare workers, educators, and all those who serve the least among us.
As you overcame family opposition and physical suffering to follow God's call, help us to persevere in our own challenges and to remain faithful to our vocations. Teach us to love one another as you instructed your daughters, and to serve others with the same dedication and love that you showed. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Emily de Vialar, pray for us!"
Related Saints
St. Joseph
Patron of the congregation she founded, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition.
St. Vincent de Paul
French saint known for serving the poor, founder of charitable organizations.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
American foundress of religious order, dedicated to education and charity.