Marie Rivier was born December 19, 1768 in Montpezat, France. When she was two, Marie suffered an accident that left her severely handicapped and unable to walk. Every day Marie’s mother, a woman of great faith, would carry her to the statue of the Pieta in a nearby chapel. Soon little Marie began saying “The Blessed Virgin will cure me!” For four years Marie prayed at Mary’s feet.
At the beginning of September in 1774 Marie’s father passed away. On September 8, 1774, the feast of the Birth of Mary, Marie began to walk. Later in the chapel Marie’s mother discovered a hat that she had made for Marie hanging on the statue’s head. Marie had placed the hat there as a votive offering. Marie always had a strong faith. Marie grew up to be the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, and throughout her life, she devoted herself to the care and education of needy children.
I chose Blessed Marie Rivier as my saint’s name for a couple of reasons. One reason was because I read her story and I was inspired by her strength and determination. Even though she was handicapped her faith taught her and she still believed that the Blessed Virgin would cure her. A second reason I chose Blessed Marie is because I have always loved the name Marie. When I was very young I would always tell people my name was “Sarah Lynn Marie”. My family wondered why I was doing it and found it funny but my aunt still calls me that to this day.
Blessed Marie’s feast day is February 3.
