Servant of God Sister Francoise Therese (Leonie Martin), sister of St. Therese of Lisieux

Marie Leonie Martin was born on June 3, 1863 in the Martin family home at rue du Pont-Neuf in Alençon, located in the Normandy region of France. She entered this world with blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes but sadly, her physical health was not very good. Leonie was the third-born child of nine children of Louis and Zelie Martin. The proud parents named her Marie Leonie Martin. Louis and Zelie gave each of their children the first name of Marie in honor of Our Lady and each male child was given the additional name of Joseph in honor of St. Joseph. Her father was a watchmaker and her mother was a lace maker. On June 4, 1863, the Martin family brought their newly born child, Marie Leonie to the Cathedral of Saint Pierre-de-Montsort to be baptized by Father Lebouc. Mrs. Leonie (Gilbert) Tifenne, a very close friend of the family, was given the honor of being Leonie's godmother and Adolphe was given the honor of being Leonie's godfather.

Azelie gave birth again a year later on October 13, 1864, to Marie Helene who passed away on February 22, 1870, at the age of five. Louis and Azelie were blessed on September 20, 1866 with the birth of their first son, Joseph Louis Martin. It was with great sadness that he too passed away a year later on February 14, 1867. On December 19, 1867 the birth of their second son. Joseph Jean Baptiste was born, however, was taken away from them, on August 25, 1868. The life of Louis and Azelie's sixth daughter, Marie Melanie Therese was short from August 16, 1870 to October 8, 1870.

From the start of Leonie's life her physical health was very poor. Once Leonie reached the age of nine months old, she suffered from whooping cough. After surviving from whooping cough, she then contracted the measles with violent convulsions before her first birthday. Leonie's father and mother were very worried that their child would not survive. Azelie contacted Isidore Guerin, her brother, a pharmacist in Lisieux, asking him if he had any remedies to help aid in Leonie's recovery. His ability, as a pharmacist, to help his niece was very limited and a cure for Leonie was not be received. Azelie then contacted her sister, Sister Marie-Dosithee, who was a Visitation nun at a convent in Le Mans. Sister Marie-Dosithee wrote to Azelie and suggested that she make a novena to then Blessed Margaret Mary and made this statement during her novena: "If Leonie is to become a saint one day, then cure her." (GV) Leonie's father, set out for a pilgrimage to Notre-Dame du Sées (Our Lady of the Seas) for a cure to his daughter's illness. After the novena to then Blessed Margaret Mary, Leonie was cured and no longer suffered from chronic illnesses to this degree during her infancy. Azelie describes Leonie after she was cured: "Nine days after Leonie's illness, she was able to land on her feet again, running around the house like a little rabbit." (SF) It was a year and a half before Leonie learned to walk.

In 1871, there were two changes that were taking place. The first change was that the family was moving into their new home, which was previously owned by Azelie's father, at 36 rue Saint-Blaise in Alençon. The second change was that Leonie was going to attend the Visitation boarding school and finally become a student.

As Leonie started getting older, it became evident that it was getting more and more difficult to prepare her for school, her parents worked feverishly to tame her strong rebellious nature and to teach her to focus on learning. By the time Leonie was now old enough to attend school, Azelie wanted to send Leonie to the Visitation boarding school in Le Mans where her older two sisters were already studying. Azelie tried twice to get Leonie enrolled at the Visitation boarding school however, her attempts became fruitless. The Mother Superior had rejected Leonie's entrance both times. Azelie contacted her sister, Sister Marie-Dosithee, at the boarding school and asked her if she could speak to the Mother Superior about allowing Leonie to enter. The Mother Superior finally agreed, but I was only on a temporary basis to see whether or not Leonie was able to adjust to the rigors of her new surroundings.

Sister Marie-Dosithee took special care of Leonie while she was at the Visitation boarding school. She tutored Leonie in the subjects that she was being taught. One of Leonie's difficult subjects to master was math and she made every effort to resist learning this subject. Leonie was sent home again, due to her in ability to control her resistant nature to learn even though she had a very loving heart. A third attempt was made to send her back to the Visitation boarding school by her mother. Azelie wanted desperately for Leonie to learn the Catechism at the boarding school for her First Holy Communion, Leonie rejoined her two older sisters, Marie and Pauline, at the boarding school in January of 1874. Azelie looked to her sister, Sister Marie-Dosithee to change Leonie's character. Sister Marie-Dosithee used her strong character to persuade Leonie to align herself with her fellow students but it was not working at all. Sister Marie-Dosithee decided to try kindness as a method to control her sudden outbursts while she was around other students as she was not able to focus all of her energy on her work.

Azelie was contacted and told to pick up her daughter at the Visitation boarding school. When Azelie arrived in Le Mans, she spoke to her sister, Sister Marie-Dosithee. Azelie's sister felt that even though it was difficult to teach her, she felt she was a "child of destiny". She also thought that one day Leonie would join her as a nun in the Visitation convent.

After Leonie rejoined her family in Alençon, Azelie found her two retired teachers to tutor her, in her studies, at their home. The two retired teachers appeared to be on the surface very respectable and religious, however, that was not to be the case. After Azelie spoke with Leonie about an event, which occurred with the two teachers, Azelie decided to end Leonie's tutoring with the teachers. Azelie then decided to take upon the task of teaching her daughter herself and also teaching her the Catechism for her First Holy Communion.

Leonie was very receptive in learning the Catechism from her mother. Azelie took Leonie on a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in a town just outside of Alençon called Sees, in preparation for her First Holy Communion. When the day came, Leonie was ready to take her First Holy Communion. Azelie decided that one poor girl, in Leonie Catechism class, would be given a beautiful white communion dress, as her family could not afford one for her. The Martin family also gave her a place of honor in the festivities that the family had planned for after the event. On May 23, 1875, Leonie and her friend took their First Holy Communion at the Church of Notre-Dame (Our Lady) in Alençon. Later in life, Leonie would remark by saying: "My First Holy Communion was not the greatest day of my life because during my childhood I spent my time suffering from many trials set before me by God. Right after Leonie took her First Holy Communion, she went to Lisieux to spend some time with her uncle and aunt.

Leonie was still a little rebellious and strong willed against her parent's authority. However, her heart towards them was just as loving and strong. Leonie loved to entertain and take care of her younger sister, Therese. She would sing to her a little lullaby until she went to sleep. Leonie did, however, spend a lot of time alone in her bedroom and a lot of time with the maid. Leonie's family suspected something was bothering her but they could not figure out what it was. Leonie's behavior would change drastically from being a pleasant child to being an unruly child.

Azelie would bring Leonie with her to Le Mans when she went to see her sister, Sister Marie-Dosithee. She still felt that her sister had a great influence over Leonie and could possibly be able to help change her behavior. Sister Marie-Dosithee still held onto the fact that Leonie would someday become religious.

In the fall of 1876, Azelie found out that her sister had tuberculosis. In December of the same year, Azelie told her family that she had breast cancer. Leonie was devastated by the news of her mother's illness. In January 1877, Azelie went to visit Sister Marie-Dosithee for the last time. Azelie asked her sister when she went to Heaven, to please ask Our Lady for help correcting Leonie's behavior. Leonie wanted to write a letter to her holy aunt before she died. Leonie asked her sister, Marie, to help write her letter to her aunt. Leonie wrote: "My dear Aunt, when you get to Heaven, will you please ask the good God, if He pleases, to give me the grace to be converted and also to give me the vocation of becoming a true religious, for I think of that every day." (GV)

Photo: Visitation monastery in Caen, (Center) Leonie

The next day, when her sister Marie reviewed the letter, Marie could not understand what she meant about being a true religious. Marie confronted Leonie asking her what she meant about being a true religious. Leonie replied: "A true religious is one who becomes a saint and I wish to become a saint." On February 24, 1877, Sister Marie-Dosithee ended her suffering with tuberculosis and was received by the Lord. The Martin family went to Le Mans to attend her funeral and to pay their last and loving respects to their holy aunt.
Azelie held out for hope that her sister would come through for her in Heaven and bring about a positive change in Leonie's behavior. A couple of weeks had past and the secret of Leonie's behavior was finally coming to the surface. Marie investigated the strange relationship Leonie had with Louise Marais, the maid. Marie could not understand why Leonie was very good when she was around Louise and then very bad when she was around her mother. She noticed that Louise had gained total control over Leonie and was terrorizing and beating her. The only person that Leonie was to obey was her and only her. After Marie found out what was happening to Leonie, she went straight to her mother and told her. Once Azelie was informed she became very upset and distraught. Azelie went to Louise and confronted her about her treatment towards her daughter Leonie. Azelie ordered her to leave the premises at once and to never return. Louise begged and pleaded with Azelie to stay because she had nowhere else to go. Azelie went to speak with Louis to decide on what action was to be taken with Louise. Azelie instructed Louise that she is not to have any contact with Leonie and upon her death she was to leave.
Once the secret had surfaced, Leonie's behavior quickly changed for the better. Azelie and Leonie's relationship had blossomed beautifully. Azelie described her new relationship with Leonie to her brother, Isidore, in a letter: "I cannot help thinking that this transformation is due to the prayers of our saintly sister, for all was altered two to three weeks after her death. It is she who has obtained for me the grace to know how to act so as to win Leonie's affections, and I hope God will let me finish my task, which is far from being completed as yet." (SF)

The breast cancer, taking an even harsher effect on her health, Azelie had a lot of work ahead of her, prior to her death. Bringing an end to her lace-making business and also reeducating Leonie was an enormous task for her to complete. Azelie was fearful that she would die before she finished helping Leonie to become more independent. She was also afraid that Leonie would go back to her previous behavior and there would be no one there to help her. Thankfully, Leonie was a willing and loving soul, allowed her mother to teach her everything about transforming her life for the better.

Their relationship blossomed so much that they became inseparable. Leonie helped her mother with the Point d'Alençon lace. Azelie taught Leonie about "gentleness, kindness, and then detachment from pleasure, the determination to give pleasure, not matter at what cost to the good Jesus." (CW) Leonie stayed at her mother's side all the way to the end.

Azelie realizing that her life was coming to an end, she decided to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes to seek out a cure for her breast cancer. Louis made reservations for the pilgrimage to Lourdes for Azelie and her three older daughters. Louis stayed behind to take care of Celine and Therese. Azelie and Leonie boarded the train in Alençon to Le Mans. They quickly stopped to pick up Marie and Pauline at the Visitation boarding school. All four of them boarded the train destined to Lourdes.

On the train their bad luck began. A few passengers on the train wanted to make some coffee and placed it over a spirit lamp. The lamp fell over, douching their clothes in oil. Upon arriving in Lourdes they were forced to leave the place they were originally suppose to stay at and look for another place to lodge. The bad luck did not stop there. To Marie's dismay, her aunt's rosary was lost, which was given to her after her aunt's death.

Each day, while they were at Lourdes, Azelie was taken into the frozen waters of Lourdes to be dunked and each time a cure was not to be received. She prayed earnestly that she would receive a cure. She asked if it is not the will of God to cure her, please cure Leonie and make her a saint. Azelie felt that she would gladly give her life up to God if her daughter Leonie was cured and made a saint. To the great dismay of Azelie's daughters, at their mother's attempt at receiving a cure for her breast cancer, they were greatly upset that she did not receive a cure. Azelie worked hard to change their minds about ever doubting God's plan for her.

It was time for them to leave Lourdes and head back home to Alençon. When the train arrived in Alençon, Louis, Celine and Therese were waiting there for them. When Louis saw their faces, he knew a cure was not received. Azelie approached Louis with great optimism and said God did answer one of her prayers instead. Leonie was so distraught over her mother's illness that she prayed a novena to ask God to take her in her mother's place.

Up to the months leading to Azelie's death, her main concern was still over Leonie's welfare after she was gone. Who will look after her? Azelie asked Louis to move to Lisieux after her death so that he and the girls would be around her family, the Guerins. Azelie felt that by moving to Lisieux, her children would be better taken care of and looked after by Isidore and Elisa-Celine. As the end of August approached, it was a matter of hours before Azelie would be taken into God's arms. Marie promised her that she would look after and take care of Leonie. On August 218, 1877, Azelie's soul ascended to Heaven. Azelie's funeral took place at the cathedral and she was buried in Cimetière Notre Dame (Our Lady's Cemetery).

Honoring the wishes of his late wife Azelie and conceding to the advice of his brother-in-law, Isidore, Louis decided to move the family to Lisieux. It was Isidore who found the residence called "Les Buissonnets" (The Woods) where the family was to live. The family packed up their belongings and paid their last respects to Azelie, at the cemetery, before setting off for their new home.
As soon as they arrived in Lisieux, Louis went back to Alençon to finish the lace-making business that Azelie had started. Marie and Pauline started organizing their new home while Leonie, Celine and Therese started school immediately at the Benedictine boarding school called Notre-Dame du Prè (Allied bombing raids destroyed the school in June 1944). Leonie became a boarder while Celine and Therese went to school during the day and came home at night. Leonie did still have difficulty with her schoolwork but not to the severity that she was having when she was at the Visitation boarding school in Le Mans.

After the death of her mother, Leonie's heart was developing into a greater love for herself and her family changes were taking place in all parts of her life. Everyone in the family saw this positive change in her and especially Marie. She felt that it was their mother who was helping Leonie's heart evolve into a beautiful young lady. Louis commonly referred to her as his "Good Leonie".
One of Leonie's teachers was surprised by how delicate her thoughts were when she wrote her compositions for class. She was very impressed by the love and compassion she put into her writings. Leonie made every effort to express her love for others and to continue to make small sacrifices on their behalf. Leonie completed her studies at the Benedictine boarding school to visit her former teachers who nicknamed her "The Abbey Lover".

Leonie's older sister, Pauline, took a big step in devoting herself fully to God and entered the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux, in October 1882. Leonie and her sisters went to visit Pauline often at the monastery.

In May of 1883, Therese, Leonie's youngest sister, became extremely ill. The doctor was called and he was not able to diagnose her illness. Expecting that Therese was going to die, Leonie and her sisters stayed with her day and night. On May 13, 1883, as Marie, Leonie, and Celine were praying at the foot of the bed, a miracle happened. An apparition of Our Lady appeared before Therese and she was cured. Leonie, praying with her eyes full of tears, was not able to see the apparition of Our Lady. However, she did notice that Therese was cured when she saw a major change in her physical appearance.

The family dedicated themselves to serving the poor at Les Buissonnets. Shelters for the homeless were very scarce so the family would invite the poor into their home and receive food, clothing and money. The gave special care to those who needed their help the most. Leonie took care of an old dying woman who had no family of her own. She would bathe her, clothe her, feed her, and comfort her in her final days. Upon the death of the poor old woman, Leonie prepared her body for her funeral. Leonie and her family continued to make small sacrifices for everyone around them and were not afraid to show their love to strangers in need. Leonie also made small sacrifices for her sisters. Realizing she was too old to play with dolls, she gave her two youngest sisters Celine and Therese her dolls and their clothes.

On June 14, 1884, it was time for Therese's confirmation. Leonie was given the special honor of becoming Therese's sponsor. It was a wonderful day for both of them.

In October of 1886, Marie decided also to devote herself to God alone and enter the same Carmelite monastery as Pauline. The family went back to Alençon to visit their mother's grave before Marie entered into the monastery. During this same time, on October 7, 1886, Leonie went to visit the Poor Clare monastery on rue de la Demi-Lune. She spoke with the Mother Superior and both of them agreed that she would enter the Poor Clare monastery at once. To the dismay and shock of the family and especially to Marie, Louis granted permission for Leonie to enter. Leonie told her family, as she made her first attempt at religious life, look at my eyes for this will be last time you will ever see them. Unfortunately, Leonie was not able to stay there for long, for the rigors of the rule of the Poor Clare's was too much for her physical body to handle. Leonie was forced to surrender to her weak body and leave the Poor Clares on December 1st of the same year. After Leonie's first failed attempt at religious life, Pauline instilled hope in their father's eyes that one day Leonie would be a religious and that God would find a place for her.

In the first few weeks of July 1887, Louis and his daughters Leonie, Celine and Therese went to La Havre for the International Maritime Exhibition. From La Havre they went to Honfleur. Visiting the chapel of Notre-Dame de Grace (Our Lady of Grace), Leonie prayed to God again about her vocation. Following in the footsteps of her beloved aunt Sister Marie Dosithee. Leonie made a second attempt at religious life. Leading up to Leonie's departure, Celine, helped Leonie organize her things. On July 16, 1887, Leonie entered the Visitation Order in the city of Caen at Monastère de la Visitation (Visitation Monastery).

Leonie's goals were to have a closer relationship with God and ultimately to become a saint. One of her biggest trials was releasing any relevance to any material things and her poor health. Unfortunately, things did not work out as she planned Leonie's health prevented her from continuing her vocation as a nun any further. Once again, Leonie was forced to leave the religious life. On January 6, 1888, Leonie returned home broken hearted. In the same year on April 9th, Leonie's youngest sister Therese entered the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux.

In June, a devastating fire erupted in the adjoining home next to the Martins. Leonie and the maid were the only ones there and barely escaped. Their roof had caught on fire but luckily the firemen were able to put it out.

During the end of 1888 and into the beginning of 1889, Louis's health was deteriorating. He had suffered a couple of minor strokes and also, he started to wander off. One day, Louis had wandered off to a town called La Havre. Everyone was frantic about his disappearance and wondered where he could have gone. Finally, Louis contacted his family in Lisieux and his family went to La Havre and brought him back home. After this incident, the family was very worried that he would wander off again.

On February 12, 1889, a decision was made for Louis to be sent to a psychiatric hospital called Bon-Sauveur (Holy Savior) ran by the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul in Caen. A few days later on the 19th, Leonie and Celine left Lisieux and went to Caen to be with their father. They made arrangements to stay with the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. Each day, Leonie and Celine would go to see Sister Costard and ask her about their father's condition. The sisters only allowed Leonie and Celine to see their father once a week, which was at times very difficult on both of them.

After only staying in Caen for three months, at the advice of their uncle, Isidore, Leonie and Celine returned home to Lisieux on May 14th. Each week, Leonie and Celine would leave Lisieux and travel to Caen to see their father. Leonie would also visit the sisters at the Visitation convent because her heart was still set on becoming a nun at the Visitation.

Leonie and Celine traveled with their uncle and aunt to Paris that May. There they all were entertained at the World's Fair and were present at the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower. They also visited Notre-Dame des Victories (Our Lady of Victory) where Leonie and Celine lit a candle for their sister Therese and prayed for their father's well being. Traveling to Tours and Lourdes, Leonie went into the baths at Lourdes praying to be cured. Weeks after returning to Lisieux, on June 7th, Leonie and Celine moved into their uncle Isidore and aunt Elisa-Celine's house.

The house, the entire family knew, as their beloved home, was coming to an end. The lease on Les Buissonnets came to an end on December 25th, and it was not going to be renewed. Isidore Guerin, the sisters uncle, made arrangements for the furniture to be sent to his house and also to the Carmelite monastery where Marie, Pauline and Therese were living as nuns.

On October 17, 1890, Leonie and Celine, along with Guerins, traveled to Paray-le-Monial to celebrate the anniversary of Saint Margaret Mary (Sacred Heart of Jesus). There she prayed to Saint Margaret Mary for intercession to be reunited with her sisters at the Visitation monastery in Caen.

During the course of three years while Louis was staying at Bon-Sauveur in Caen, he suffered another stroke. Louis became paralyzed as a result of this last stroke. So, the family decided to bring him back to Lisieux on May 10, 1892, Isidore arranged for Louis, Leonie and Celine to live in a house that was very close to his house at 7 rue Labbey (Labbey street). Leonie and Celine took very special care of their father while he was incapacitated.

On June 23, 1893, Leonie traveled to Caen to go on a retreat at the Visitation monastery. During her retreat, she approached the Mother Superior and told her she wanted to enter the Visitation monastery again. The Mother Superior agreed and Leonie's uncle, Isidore, gave her his permission. On June 24, 1893, Leonie entered into the religious life once more making it her third attempt. She became very content at her new home. It was Leonie as well as her sisters wishes that she become a nun, because they knew that she had great virtues of humility. In February of 1894, Leonie was accepted to receive the habit however, due to an unforeseen illness of their priest, her ceremony was delayed. On April 6th, Leonie received the habit as well as the name of Sister Therese-Dosithee by Bishop Hugonin who conducted the ceremony. Celine and her cousins were also in attendance.

Photo: Carmel of Lisieux and Office Central (L) Celine (R) Leonie

During the latter weeks of July 1894, Louis's health took a turn for the worst he suffered from another heart attack. The doctor came to examine him and told Celine that her father was dying. A priest was called and the last rites were given to him. On July 29th, Louis died in the presence of his daughter Celine and his soul ascended to Heaven. His funeral was conducted on August 4th. After Louis's funeral, Isidore decided that the rest of the family, which was previously buried in Alençon should be brought to Lisieux. The arrangements were made and a small ceremony took place when Azelie and the rest of the family were buried next to Louis.

Leonie was not able to attend her father's funeral because she was in the Visitation monastery. Celine did, however, visited her sister every day after their father's death when she was visiting her cousin Jeanne who also lived in Caen. These visits by Celine were to be her last to Leonie. Celine, too, sought out the religious life. On September 14th, she entered the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux.

In early spring of 1895, Sister Marie de Sales Lefrançoise was elected the new mother superior for the Visitation monastery. Mother Marie de Sales viewed the Rule differently than her predecessor she felt that their monastery should be more observant to the stricter guidelines of the Rule of the Visitation. As a result, Leonie, as well as her fellow postulants, found it increasingly difficult to follow the rigors of the Rule. By late spring, Mother Marie de Sales decided to postpone Leonie's profession at the advisement of the mistress of the novices. As a result of this postponement, Leonie was seeking a transfer to the Visitation convent in Le Mans. This was the same convent where her aunt, Sister Marie-Dosithee became a nun. But based on the encouragement of her sisters, Leonie stayed at the monastery in Caen and endured. Therese, as well as her other sisters, were consoling and counseling her and teaching her how to endure her many hardships by bringing her further to the way of perfection. Leonie greatest fears had turned into reality. Due to the stricter adherence to the Rule of the Visitation, Leonie, as well as some of her other sisters at the monastery were asked to leave.

On July 20, 1895, Isidore went to Caen to pick-up Leonie and bring her back to Lisieux. Upon returning, Leonie went to visit her sisters at the Carmelite monastery. This was one of the saddest times of her life. She cried so much that it was difficult for her to speak to them. Leonie's aunt Elisa-Celine and uncle Isidore welcomed her back with open arms into their home. The relationship between Leonie and her aunt and uncle were very close. But the pressures of the world outside the monastery were becoming very difficult for her to handle. There were more temptations for her to stray away from the religious lifestyle that she had become accustomed to when she was in the monastery.

Therese continued to counsel Leonie to the way of perfection even though she was no longer at the monastery. This close relationship was very common to the both of them because Therese had helped her before during her childhood. Therese was very patient with Leonie when she taught her. Leonie responded positively to Therese's authority over her. Therese encouraged Leonie to continue to detach herself from worldly possessions, which obviously is difficult for anyone to overcome. Therese remarked: "You have no lack of small sacrifices, my dear Leonie, is not your life made up of them? I rejoice to see such a treasure before you, especially when I realize that you know how to put it to profit, not only for yourself, but even more for souls." (CL)

Photo: Carmel of Lisieux and Office Central

Sadly, Leonie's days of being counseled by Therese were slowly coming to a close. Therese had contracted tuberculosis and at that time it was seen as an incurable disease. All of the Martin sisters were greatly distressed over the thought of losing their beloved sister. Leonie looked upon Therese's disease, as the divine will of God. So she prepared herself for the impending loss of her sister.

On July 2, 1897, it was the last time that Leonie was able to see her sister Therese in person. Therese became too ill to do anything and she was moved into the infirmary. Due to the Carmelite Rule, Leonie was not allowed to go into the infirmary. However, Therese made every effort through her sisters Marie, Pauline and Celine to continue to counsel her. Everything that Therese said was written down and passed onto Leonie. Therese wrote her final letter to Leonie on July 17th stating: "If you want to become a saint, it will be easy, because in the depths of your heart the world means nothing to you." I mean that while you give yourself devotedly to external works, you have but one goal: to give pleasure to Jesus and to be united more intimately with Him." (CL) Leonie continued with her desire from childhood to become a great saint. She asked her sister Therese that when she went to Heaven, to plead her case for her to the dear Lord to lead her on the path of becoming a great saint.

Leonie would visit the Carmelite monastery on a daily basis to get an update on her sister's condition. On September 30th, as the hours for Therese were drawing to a close, Leonie and her aunt Celine and uncle Isidore went to the Carmelite chapel to pray for her. Pauline wrote a small note and gave it to a lay sister, which in turn handed it to Leonie in the chapel that told her that her sister's soul had ascended to Heaven. A few days later, Leonie led the funeral procession at the Carmelite chapel. Therese's body was laid to rest at the local cemetery in Lisieux.

During this course of time, Leonie continued to stay in contact with the sisters at the Visitation monastery. She would visit them periodically in Caen when she went to stay with her cousin Jeanne. Between Leonie's second departure from the monastery and her final entrance, a lot of the sisters at the monastery had passed away. This led the Visitation monastery, in Caen, to accept a couple of sisters from the Visitation monastery in Boulogne-sur-Mer. A few months later, one of the new sisters from Boulogne-sur-Mer was elected Mother Superior. Mother Jeanne-Marguerite Decarpentry brought a different adaptation to the Visitation Rule, which in turn allowed Leonie and her fellow sisters that left previously an opportunity to come back.

Weeks prior to Therese's death, Therese had a conversation with her sister Marie. She stated that after her death, Leonie would be reunited with her sisters at the Visitation in Caen. She also stated that Leonie would be there serving God until her death. This vision that Therese had stated to Marie had come true years later on January 28, 1899.

On June 30, 1899, Leonie received her holy habit and took the name Sister Francoise-Therese. The ceremony took place under the direction of Canon Levasseur. She then continued on with her novitiate under the direction of Sister Louise Henriette Vaugeois. Leonie was very attached to her due to her humility, simplicity and gentleness towards her. Unfortunately, Sister Louise was requested to return back to her old monastery in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Sister Marie Aimee de Songnis took over the reins of Leonie's training. Sister Marie Aimee was much different than her predecessor. She was more stringent on following the Visitation Rule. This in return led Leonie into a depressed state of mind. It was very difficult for Leonie to learn the Rule quickly enough so that she would not fall into the dismay of her directress. Leonie's sisters Marie, Pauline and Celine were once again alarmed and dreaded the thought of history repeating itself. They were fearful that Leonie would be forced to leave the monastery once more. Through the encouragement of her sisters at Carmel and the intercession through her beloved aunt Sister Marie-Dosithee and her sister Therese, Leonie survived this trial. Leonie stated in a letter to her sisters at Carmel: "Surviving the pressures of the earth: To win Heaven, it is necessary to suffer and to suffer greatly. True peace is the acceptance of each trial given. After we have completed our exile, there will be Heaven eternally, while we wait, it is necessary that we attach ourselves to the cross. From the cross to Heaven is only one step." (GV)

Sister Marie Aimee decided that Leonie was ready to become a professed nun. On July 2, 1900, Leonie's novitiate ended and she professed her final vows. There ceremony took place under the direction of Canon Levasseur. Leonie received her profession cross, the cross that cost her so many tears, however, Leonie was content on living the rest of her life as a Visitation nun.

It was decided by the Mother Superior of the community that Leonie's jobs would be to assistant Bursar, nurse, to assistant in the refectory and assistant in the sacristy. Leonie's duties to assistant Bursar were to ensure that everything in the convent was arranged accordingly. Her nursing duties in the infirmary were taking care of the needs of the sick and aged nuns. She assisted the sisters in the refractory who prepared the two meals that the community received daily. Leonie's duties in the sacristy were prepping the linens, corporals, palls and purificators for Mass.

Leonie lent her support and attention to the needs of the new postulants who were, as she did, having difficulties in adhering to the Visitation Rule. Even though her duties were not always in a leadership role, she accepted her tasks joyfully. Leonie was forced to make many sacrifices in her work. With great humility, she used these opportunities to offer them to God and use them for the opportunity of saving souls, in particularity for priests.

Leonie was given a brief opportunity to see her sister Pauline in 1902. Pauline and Mother Marie de Gonzaga were traveling to a city called Valognes located in the northwestern part of Normandy on business. This was a special gift for Leonie because she thought she would never see her sister ever again after she entered the Visitation.

During the early part of the 1900's, Therese had come to be well known by many people in France. The book "Story of a Soul" was widely read by many people and they had sought out her protection and intercession. The process for Therese's canonization for sainthood had started. In 1910, Leonie was asked by Bishop Lemonnier of Bayeux and Lisieux to prepare a deposition on the virtues of Therese. On November 27th, Leonie and her Mother Superior Jeanne-Marguerite Decarpentry traveled to Bayeux to see the Bishop. Leonie testified on her account of Therese's virtues. During this event they both stayed at the Benedictine Monastery.

The interest in Therese also brought interest in Leonie as well as her surviving sisters. People would come to the Visitation monastery and ask to see Leonie and see if she would pray to her sister Therese for intercession on their behalf. Leonie would always honor their requests.

As 1914 approached, the threat of war was eminent. As World War I started it had major effects on the Visitation monastery as well as other religious communities. The Germans advanced into France through Belgium's boarder and occupied the northeastern half of the country. Even though during this time, Leonie and her sisters were miles away from the front lines, they were asked to make sacrifices for the war effort. Food was rationed for everyone as well as medicines and other much needed supplies. The majority of the supplies were sent to the front lines for the support of the French soldiers. Leonie was very concerned about the health and safety of her sisters Marie, Pauline and Celine at the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux due to the rationing of supplies. Her sisters reassured Leonie, that they were all right. When the war came to the end, all of them survived the horrors.

On September 30, 1912, while Leonie was chanting the Holy Office, an apparition of her sister Therese's hands appeared to her on her book. This apparition affirmed to Leonie that her sister was always with her. Leonie and Therese had a very close relationship. She looked upon Therese as being a guiding light to the way of perfection. This experience encouraged Leonie to work harder at becoming a saint.

The canonization process for Therese progressed rapidly on April 9, 1915. A second examination of Therese's virtues was required for the Apostolic Process. The examination of these virtues would take place at the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux. To this great joy, Leonie and her Mother Superior Jeanne-Marguerite traveled to the Carmelite monastery. Leonie had not seen her sisters in seventeen years. It was an exciting eight days for Leonie and what a blessing it was to see her beloved sisters Marie, Pauline and Celine. It was also a great joy to see where her sister Therese lived and worked. Leonie remarked: "As we were sitting down together on the steps of Carmel, it was like nothing had changed. It was as if we were together at Les Buissonnets once more." The time came for Leonie to depart the Carmelite monastery and the examination of Therese's sisters was over. Leonie, yet again, had to say her goodbyes to her sisters. This time it was to be forever until they all saw each other again in Heaven. The Carmelite sisters arranged a song for Leonie's departure, which was a very touching gift for her to receive.

Photo: Carmel of Lisieux and Office Central of Lisieux

Once Leonie returned to the Visitation monastery in Caen, it was very difficult for her to adjust. The separation from her sisters and the challenges of practicing the "Little Way" were taking a huge toll on her emotionally. She was fearful of letting herself down as well as her sisters. Leonie remarked: "I belong to a family of saints and I must not blemish that heritage." (GV) Leonie always looked upon her sister Pauline as a saint. She revered the Carmelite prioress as a person with such great virtues. Moreover, Leonie persisted and returned to the practice of being hidden, following the footsteps of her sister Therese one step at a time. Leonie's main objective was to be a living example of God's love, the same love that he has for each and every one of us. She sought out her own measure of obedience to God to further her practice of humility, a virtue that was one of her favorite to practice. She devoted many of her prayers for the Pope, the Church, her communities, and others that suffered.
Leonie constantly examined the progress of her way to perfection and came to the conclusion about where she was by stating: "I am so poor, so little, so weak but I rejoice in being so, for it makes me more open to His consuming and transforming love and I could not be more self-abandoned. I believe I have reached the point where God wishes me to be, for I love what He does above all else I do not want to choose anything at all." (L) However, Leonie continued to work feverishly on her goals of becoming more humble. She made every opportunity to withdraw herself more and more from the spotlight working harder to be counted as nothing. Described by her Visitation sisters, Leonie displayed pure gentleness, exuberant joy, and great humility with much simplicity.

Reflecting back on her difficult childhood, there was one person who sought forgiveness from Leonie, Louise Marais, the maid. She had inflicted both emotional and physical abuse on Leonie when she was a child. Louise was not allowed to have any contact with Leonie. However, Louise was able to communicate to Leonie in an effort to receive Leonie's forgiveness through Marie. Leonie thanked her for helping take care of her mother when she had breast cancer and also forgave her for the way she was treated by her.

On August 10, 1917, a second exhumation of Therese's remains took place. Leonie had always hoped for a relic of her sister Therese since her death. Thankfully, while her sister Celine was wrapping Therese's relics in silk linens, a molar had fallen out of its place. It was decided that the molar would be given to Leonie. The arrival of the relic, from Therese to the Visitation monastery, was a joyous blessing for Leonie and her sisters in Caen.

On March 26, 1923, Therese's relics were brought to the Carmelite Monastery in Lisieux. A beautifully decorated carriage carrying her relics rode from the Lisieux cemetery in a procession down the streets of Lisieux to be interned at the Carmelite chapel. Therese's beatification was going to take place on April 29th, As a kind gesture to Leonie, the carriage was brought to the Visitation monastery in Caen to include her in the ceremony and to show her the beautiful carriage where her sister's relics were placed.

Shortly after the beatification process, Therese's canonization was taking place. On May 17, 1925, Leonie's sister became St. Therese of the Child Jesus. A beautiful ceremony took place in Rome to celebrate the newly canonized saint. Pope Pius XI extended an invitation for Therese's sisters Marie, Pauline, Leonie and Celine to attend the ceremony in Rome. The invitation was declined by all of them. The decision to decline the invitation was so that they could continue their work in the monastery as a cloistered nun thus not interfering with community life. But in the place of their absence, two Tourière sisters from the Visitation monastery went to Rome to represent them. Leonie had a special request for one of the sisters. She asked the sister if she would kiss the foot of Pope Pius XI, a demonstration to the Pontiff a sign of her faith in him.

Photo: Carmel of Lisieux of Office Central of Lisieux

On September 28th, Cardinal Vico, a representative of Pope XI, came to Caen to visit Leonie. Leonie knelt before him as an act of her faithfulness to him and the Pope. Leonie, like her sisters, prayed in particular for the Pope, priests and also the preservation of the sovereign Church. Cardinal Vico delivered a portrait of Pope Pius XI to celebrate Leonie's twenty-five years as a Visitation nun. The portrait contained an inscription of a blessing for her to honor this occasion. Pauline had sent a statue of Therese to the Visitation monastery, which was placed in the garden. Cardinal Vico had the honor of blessing the statue while he was there.

Due to the overwhelming interest in Therese, many visitors came to the Visitation monastery to see Leonie. Leonie, being an assistant portress, would answer the door without acknowledging to them that it was she who they were speaking to. For Leonie, it was an opportunity for her to practice her humility. Most of them would request for her to pray to her sister Therese for their intentions and she would always honor their requests. Leonie never sought out intercession from her sister Therese for herself. She knew that all that she received was enough for what she needed. A visitor who wanted to interview Leonie approached her at the monastery. He wanted to find out more information about her mother Azelie. Leonie complied with his request and she stated that it was her mother, Azelie, who taught her humility, simplicity, and detachment from worldly things. Leonie always viewed her as a saint. Leonie was then asked to write the forward to the book: The Little Flower's Mother. Leonie also wrote a message to the Little Flower Society: "If we must please the Little Flower, we must be humbled as she was, and we will be humble if we will repeat frequently every day Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine." (CW) Leonie vowed to pray every day for her sister Therese to watch over them.

In her interview, she was asked why she too did not become a Carmelite nun like her sisters. Leonie replied she was where God wanted her to be and one of the graces that her sister Therese gave her was to preserve her devotion to the Visitation Order. Leonie's first affiliation with the Visitation Order was through her aunt, Sister Marie-Dosithee. There was a great connection and admiration between Leonie and her aunt and she looked forward to following her in her footsteps, thus initially taking the name Sister Francoise-Dosithee in one of Leonie's early attempts at religious life. It was Leonie's goal for herself as she explains: "I want to be little, so little! This is the example I want to follow. I can feel that this is what Jesus expects of me." (L)

During the month of December 1930, Leonie was plagued by an acute contagious viral infection characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract and by fever, chills, muscular pain, and prostration. It is also called grippe. This in return eventually led to her catching pneumonia. It was thought by her Visitation sisters that Leonie would not survive her illness. As a result she was given the "Last Sacraments". Pauline sent a telegram to a Carmelite brethren in Rome about her sister's condition. Unexpectedly, Pope Pius XI responded back to Pauline's telegram. In this telegram, he gave Leonie his papal blessing as well as asking for her sister Therese's intercession. Sister Marie Aimee, who was very close to Leonie in the monastery, prayed before the statue of St. Therese in the monastery garden asking for Therese's intercession too.

Soon after Leonie received blessings upon her, she started to recover from her illness. Many of Leonie's Visitation sisters were impressed by Leonie's continued devotion to the love of God and also by her ardent desire to be in His presence throughout her difficult suffering. Sister Joseph Gabriel de Formigny, Leonie's infirmarian, stated: "What edification Leonie gave during her days of great suffering! I admired her faith, her love of the good God, her profound delicacy of sentiment she does honor her sister Therese whose virtues she reproduces..." (DL)

Photo: Visitation Monastery in Caen

Throughout the rest of Leonie's life, she was plagued with a number of illnesses. Her weak immune system did not help her to fight against colds and influenza, which passed through the monastery each year. She also suffered from eczema, a non-contagious inflammation of the skin, characterized chiefly by redness, itching, and the outbreak of lesions that may discharge serous matter and become encrusted and scaly. This ravaged her entire body making it very uncomfortable for her. Like her mother Azelie, Leonie too suffered from migraine headaches. She also lost many of her teeth causing her to wear dentures. If not enough Rheumatism arthritis stayed with Leonie until her death leaving her body whittled and frail. Should Leonie never be able to walk, she would, without any hesitation crawl on her hands and knees to receive the Blessed Sacrament. It was the true center of her religious life. (GV)

Prayer was an important part of Leonie's life. It is prayer that Leonie's heart desired constantly, because in prayer she replied: "How I love the words, the good God operates in us there is no need to see or feel Him! Happily for me, that is true for I always have been and am increasingly a blockhead, a log and I ask Jesus to set the log on fire with the Spirit of Love." (GV) Multiply the hours of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, Leonie stated: "It is before the Blessed Sacrament that our hearts and minds are prepared to receive Him. Let us also sow many "Hail Mary's" for it is our Immaculate Mother in Heaven that will be there to save us all." (GV)

In December of 1939, Leonie's sister Marie contracted a cold with a very severe cough. Her illness continued on into January and sadly her illness worsened to the point of no return. Leonie was notified, by her other sisters Pauline and Celine, that Marie's mortal life on earth was coming to an end. On January 18, 1940, Leonie's beloved sister Marie breathed her last breath on earth. As customary, two Visitation sisters from Leonie's monastery were sent to the Carmelite monastery with flowers in hand for Marie's funeral in Lisieux.
In April of 1940, Leonie wrote a letter to her dear sisters Pauline and Celine. In this letter she describes to her sisters how she feels about herself approaching death. "I feel that I am approaching eternity. What joy! There is nothing sound in me except for my eyes, my heart, and my head, thanks be to God! Complete abandonment is what I desire most...Let us, as spouses of Christ, not fear death which we must undergo to find true life in Him." (GV)

A ruthless German dictator named Adolph Hitler decided to invade France on May 10, 1940. The French army thought that the Germans would attack them on the French and German border where they had a strong line of defense. But the Germans decided to attack France through Belgium instead. The French army made an enormous effort to stop the German army from penetrating the front lines. However, they were no match to the German arsenal of weapons. On June 22, 1940, the French and German governments signed an Armistice agreement that called for two different zones. One zone occupied by the Germans and the other zone occupied by the French. Unfortunately, Caen and Lisieux were both positioned in the German occupied zone. Leonie and her Visitation sisters could no longer ignore what was going on outside the walls of their monastery. The Germans setup outposts in most of the major cities in France, Caen being no exception.

Leonie made every effort to comfort her sisters who were fearful of the outcome of the German existence. Leonie would pray ardently for the safety and security of their family members and ask her Sainted Sister Therese to protect them.

As 1940 was coming to a close, Leonie's health had become ever more deteriorated. She was no longer able to roam the halls of her beloved monastery on her own. Mother Jeanne Marguerite de Carpentry decided it was time for Leonie to be moved into the infirmary after she contracted bronchitis. Leonie helped her other sisters that were also summoned to stay in the infirmary though she was hindered by her physical impairments as she states to one of her sisters: "Yes, I suffer much, but I do not want to stop I wish to go on until the end." (DL)

During May of 1941, Leonie contracted the grippe again. This time she was not going to be able to defeat it. She suffered severely from the physical symptoms of the grippe along with the addition of rheumatism arthritis. Leonie writes to her sisters Pauline and Celine: "I have become so little that I have the audacity to believe that I will not go to purgatory. I ask my Jesus to prepare me Himself for His coming. I, though a great sinner, can have no fear of the good God. On the contrary, it's my extreme need of Him that gives me such confidence in Him that I dream that when I leave the arms of our beloved mother (Mother Superior) that I will fall quite naturally into the arms of Jesus and of my Heavenly Mother. What audacity!" (GV)

At the end of May, Leonie started to show signs of improvement in her health. It was a golden opportunity for her Visitation sisters to celebrate Leonie's birth and profession. Mother Superior took full advantage of this opportunity and they celebrated Leonie's birthday as well as her fortieth anniversary of her profession on June 3, 1941. Leonie joyfully celebrated with her Visitation sisters.

One of the gifts Leonie received was a message that Pauline obtained from Pope Pius XII. In the Pope's message he states: "We are blessed with all of our hearts, on the occasion of her 40th anniversary of religious profession, our dear daughter in Jesus Christ, Francoise-Therese of the Visitation of Caen, and through the intercession of her blessed sister Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, we implore for her the grace of the highest sanctification in the most fervent humility." (DL) As the celebration came to a close, Leonie was taken back to the infirmary. Her sisters filled the halls of her beloved convent with the verses: "By thy sweet way, Guide us we pray, Therese to Heaven, to Heaven, to Heaven." (DL) Leonie was filled with joy and happiness from the celebration. Mother Superior took the opportunity to escort her "living relic" back to her room.

Due to the occupation of the German army in France, the message from the Pope was delayed by almost a year. Leonie's 40th anniversary was in 1940. After the celebration, Leonie sent a reply to Pope Pius XII's message and thanked him for his gift. But the greatest gift Leonie was to receive was from her beloved sister Pauline. Years ago, Pauline sent Saint Therese's profession cross to Leonie upon the condition that the cross would be returned after Leonie's death. Pauline decided to allow the Visitation monastery to keep Saint Therese's profession cross. She also provided a reliquary to house the cross in so that it could be venerated.

Pauline, knowing her beloved sister was nearing an end to her life, contacted the Pope and requested permission to allow Leonie's body to be interned at the Carmel in Lisieux. It was an expression of faith for all the sisters to be buried side by side in the crypt next to their beloved sainted sister Therese. But Leonie wanted to be buried in the crypt of her Visitation monastery. Leonie's feelings on this issue was that after her death that there would no longer be any communication between the Visitation and the Carmel. Mother Superior felt this same fear because the Carmel was helping them in several ways during the German occupation of France. Pauline reassured her sister in a message sent to Leonie: "Fear nothing, my little Leonie, if you fly to Heaven, I will not fail to fly often to your Visitation besides, I myself will feel the need of it." (DL)

As weeks in June progressed, Leonie's eyes were solely on Heaven. In a conversation between her and her Mother Superior she said: "The divine thief is at the door, dear mother, but do not be troubled if He takes me in the middle of the night for I am ready, all is given, abandoned." (DL)

It was painful for some of Leonie's sisters to see her while she was in an enormous state of agony over the complications from her illness. Leonie reassured them, "That it was necessary to suffer a lot before dying because there was still more for her to climb to Calvary". (DL) She wanted to ascend to Heaven like infants do.

On June 12th, as she did each day, Leonie started to rise for Morning Prayer. She was met with a sudden weakness and numbness in her arms and legs on one side of her body, which caused her to collapse onto the floor of the infirmary. When Leonie's infirmarian arrived to help her change into her clothes, she found her lying on the floor unconscious. The infirmarian summoned other sisters to help her place her back in her bed. A doctor was called to examine her condition and a priest came to deliver her the "Last Rites". Hours after Leonie collapse, she woke up and saw her infirmarian and other sisters beside her. Leonie immediately realized that she was paralyzed on one side and was notably not able to speak anymore.

Mother Superior sent an urgent message to Pauline and Celine about their sister's dire condition. Later that afternoon, Pauline sent two Tourière sisters to the Visitation monastery bearing flowers with prayers and blessings. When the sisters entered into the infirmary. Leonie was visibly overjoyed to see them. They went over and sat at her bedside giving the messages from her sisters Pauline and Celine. Mother Superior gave Leonie her sister Marie's rosary and her sainted sister Therese's profession cross. Leonie bore each relic in both of her hands. She then took a rose, removed the petals from it and scattered them over her sister's profession cross.

Leonie's condition slowly deteriorated for the next five days. She was very week, however, she clasped onto her sister Marie's rosary and Therese's cross close to her heart. Every day the priest would come and give her the "Last Rites".

On the 16th of June, Leonie held out her hands with a weak smile on her face, when her Visitation sisters brought in a replica of the statue of Our Lady of the Smile. They recited to her some verses her sainted sister Therese echoed: "To die of love, what martyrdom more sweet, I long for it, my heart's desire! Soon is my exile over, Oh, I entreat, Ye Cherubim, tune, tune your lire." (DL) That evening it became more evident that there were only hours left of her life, as the physical signs of death were visible. Mother Superior gave Leonie a blessed candle to hold in her hand as they prayed to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Our Lady of the Visitation and to St. Therese.

A few hours before she ascended to Heaven, on the 17th of June, Leonie again scattered rose petals that Pauline and Celine had gathered in the Carmelite garden. She placed them over Therese's profession cross. Mother Superior brought Leonie up into her arms and hugged her twice, once for Pauline and once for Celine. She placed Leonie's head back on her pillow. Leonie sighs a couple of times as her soul was starting its ascension to Heaven. The Lord she loved called her home.

Leonie's Visitation sisters gathered around her bed and sang the "Magnificat". They prepared her body for her funeral. Leonie's hands were placed together clutching St. Therese's profession cross and her head laid upon a white pillow. The sisters placed a ring of white roses around her head and wrapped a garland of flowers all around her body. Leonie's beautiful smile still encompassed her face as she lay peacefully. Her body was carried to the chapel choir where those that came to pay their respects could see her in all her splendor.

As news spread throughout the world of Leonie's Holy Ascent, people came from all over the world. As the days leading up to her funeral came, more and more people turned out to pay their respects, even though the Germans occupied Caen. Numerous letters of condolences were sent to the Visitation monastery and also to the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux where Pauline and Celine lived.

On March 12, 2020, the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux, Monsignor Jean-Claude Boulanger handed over the official paperwork for Leonie's cause to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

On March 13, 2021, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints recognized the validity of the Diocesan process. Please pray that she will be declared Venerable soon. To view updates on Leonie Martin's cause you may visit the website by the Visitation sisters in Caen is: www.leonie-martin.fr

Photo: (L) Father Sangalli and (R) Bishop Boulanger - Visitation monastery in Caen

Written by: R. Hann

Bibliography

Abbé Combes, ed. Collected Letters of Saint Therese of Lisieux. (CL)

New York: Sheed & Ward, 1949.

Dolan, Albert H. Rev. Collected Little Flower Works. Chicago: Carmelite Press, 1929.

---. The Little Flower's Mother. Chicago: Carmelite Press, 1929. (CW)

---. God Made The Violet Too: Life of Leonie, Sister of St. Therese. (GV)

Chicago: Carmelite Press, 1948.

Piat, Stéphanie Fr. The Story Of A Family: The Home of St. Therese of Lisieux. (SF) Trans: Benedictine of Stanbrook Abbey. Rockford, Ill.: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc. 1948.

Death Announcement of Sr. Francoise-Therese Martin, Unpublished transcript from the Monastery of the Visitation in Caen, France. 1941. (DL)

Fast Track

servant of God
sr. francoise therese
(marie leonie martin)
sr. franciscae teresiae
"god's little violet"
1863 - 1941

biography

Martin Sisters Organization

Fast Track

servant of God sr. francoise therese(marie leonie martin)sr. franciscae teresiae"god's little violet"1863 - 1941biography

Martin Sisters Organization

servant of God
sr. francoise therese
(marie leonie martin)
sr. franciscae teresiae
"god's little violet"
1863 - 1941

biography