Saints
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Short Biography of Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Émilie d’Oultremont d’Hoogvorst, also known as Emília Maria of Jesus, was a woman of deep faith and dedication. Born in 1818 in Wegimont, Belgium, she was raised in a noble and Christian family. Despite receiving many marriage proposals, Emília felt a call to consecrate herself to God and eventually married Count Victor van der Linden in 1837. Tragically, her husband died just ten years into their marriage, but Emília remained devoted to her role as a mother and educator.
In 1854, when Pope Pius IX declared the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God, Emília felt inspired to dedicate herself even further to God’s work. She began a consecrated life with a group of young women from various countries and founded the Congregation of Mary Reparatrix in 1857. This new religious community was guided by the spirit of St. Ignatius Loyola and focused on Eucharistic adoration and the evangelization of society, particularly among women.
Mother Emília Maria of Jesus supported her two sons in their vocation to marriage and was overjoyed when her daughters also joined the Congregation she had founded. The Congregation soon expanded to include houses in several countries in Europe and even India. Despite facing numerous challenges and suffering from poor health in her later years, Mother Emília remained devoted to her work until her death in 1878. She was beatified by St. Pope John Paul II in 1997 and her shrine can be found at the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome.
Popular Blessed Emilee Doultremont Medal
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
Blessed Emilee Doultremont
The Life of Blessed Emilee Doulremont: A Detailed Biography
Early Life and Marriage
Widowhood and Conversion
Foundress of Sisters of Mary Reparatrix
Expansion of Order
Emilee did not limit her vision to France or Belgium. She wanted to spread her order to other countries and continents, especially where the Church was in need of missionaries. In 1859, she was asked by the Vatican to send sisters to India, where they would work with the Jesuits in Bombay and Poona. Emilee agreed and sent six sisters, including her daughter Marie-Adèle, to start the first mission of the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix in Asia.
In the following years, Emilee also founded convents in England, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany. She traveled extensively to visit and support her sisters, who faced many challenges and difficulties in their apostolate. She also corresponded with them regularly, giving them advice, encouragement, and spiritual guidance. She was a mother to all her daughters in religion, who loved and respected her for her wisdom, humility, and charity.
Death and Beatification
Emilee’s health began to decline in the 1870s, due to her intense work and travels. She suffered from asthma, bronchitis, and heart problems. She also had to endure the pain of losing her two daughters, who died of tuberculosis in 1867 and 1872. She accepted her sufferings with patience and trust in God’s will. She said: “I have nothing to regret in this world. I have given everything to God”.
She died on February 22, 1878, in Florence, Italy, at the age of 59. She was buried in the convent chapel there. Her last words were: “Jesus, Mary, I love you”.
She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 12, 1997, in Saint Peter’s Square. Her feast day is celebrated on February 22. She is the patroness of the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, who continue her mission of reparation and evangelization around the world.
Saints Similar to Blessed Emilee Doultremont
You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Julie Billiart. Both Blessed Emilee Doultremont and St. Julie Billiart were involved in educational and religious work. They both founded religious orders dedicated to the education and welfare of children. Blessed Emilee Doultremont founded the Sisters of Providence, while St. Julie Billiart founded the Sisters of Notre Dame. Next up: Biography of Blessed Emilie Tavernier Gamelin
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