Virtual Pilgrimage

Marie Rivier was born in Montpezat sous Bauzon on December 19, 1768. Her parents were Christians. She was baptized at NOTRE DAME DE PRÉVENCHÈRES two days later, on December 21, 1768.

In the heart of a united Christian family, she experienced the ordeal of illness. Her mother, a woman of great faith, accompanied her child to the foot of the Pietà.

There, between Marie and Marie Rivier, was born this bond which made Marinette say: “I obtained everything with rosaries. “. For 4 years, she will be at the school of Mary. Following her example, she became a woman of hope, an educator of faith, a disciple of Jesus, and a mother to all those entrusted to her.

On September 8, 1774, she was healed from her fall… And it was there that she gathered her first students to teach them and speak to them about Jesus Christ.

She left for Thueyts, called to open a school in 1794. And with 4 other young girls, on November 21, 1796: Feast of the Presentation of Mary, they made their promise to the Lord. The first community was founded, and the first Mother House of the Congregation.

Many other young girls would join these women in their desire to teach and to proclaim Jesus Christ. At the same time, they opened a small dispensary to help the sick and the poor. From 1794 to 1814, 77 schools were opened in the south of France by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary beginning in Thueyts.