Church declares Marcelle Mallet Venerable; founder of the Sisters of Charity of Québec recognized for her heroic virtues
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Marcelle Mallet was recognized by the Church for her heroic virtues, January 27, 2014. Born in Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, on March 26, 1805, Marcelle Mallet entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal in 1824, and two years later pronounced her religious vows. The decree recognizing her heroic virtues was authorized by Pope Francis. In March 26, 1983, her cause was officially opened by the Archdiocese of Québec. Ten years later, on November 26, 1993, the Holy See recognized the validity of the diocesan inquiry on her life and virtues.
According to biographical information from her religious community, when the Sisters of Charity of Montréal accepted the invitation of the Most Reverend Pierre-Flavien Turgeon, then Archbishop of Québec, to establish a religious institute dedicated to charity, Mother Mallet volunteered spontaneously and without reservation. She arrived in Quebec City, August 22, 1849, which was then being ravaged by an epidemic. With her companions, she immediately began her work of charity: caring for the sick at home, visiting the poor, caring for orphans, supporting seminarians, and opening a dispensary for the poor.Finally, Mother Mallet agreed to open five boarding schools outside the city: Cacouna, 1857; Lévis, 1858; Deschambault and Plessisville, 1861; and La Pocatière, 1862. In 1866, the Sisters of Charity of Québec were officially approved. Mother Marcelle Mallet died Easter morning, April 9, 1871.