St Emilie de Vialar

early years

• Born in 1797 during the French Revolution
• Rich and distinguished family, eldest of four children
• Taught by her mother, a deeply religious woman
• Under duress was taught to play the piano

teenage years

• In 1810, Emilie's mother died
• At age 15, Emilie was to take her mother's place in the home
• Inspired with an ardent love for God and for the sick, poor and suffering
• Emilie had many marriage proposals - declined them all

At 19, began her charity work. She helped people by taking food and remedies to the poor.

Emilie made the decision to devote her life entirely to God and to accomplish his will.

charity house

• In 1832, Emilie left home
• Emilie & 3 sisters set up fledgling community to help others
• The sisters provided free education for children
• Continued to provide relief for the poor, sick and aged in their homes

missionary work

• In 1835, Emilie & 3 sisters begin missionary work in Algiers
• Muslims, Jews & Europeans affected by cholera, all received the same unselfish care
• By end of 1836 there were 20 sisters at work on this mission

The Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition steadily increased in membership

Emilie endured injustices and betrayals and found her strength in prayer

St emilie quotes

• "Go and with what you have and will receive, do all the good you can."
• "Since God has done so much for me, what ought I not do for him."
• "How fulfilling for the heart that is given to making another happy and to bringing relief to suffering humanity."