Feast of Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger

September 9, 2019

Today is an extraordinary day for the Sisters of the Redeemer, as we celebrate the Feast of our Founder, Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger. September 9 was selected as the official Feast Day recognized throughout the world, as it marks the anniversary of Blessed Alphonse Maria’s birth in Niederbronn, France in 1814. Additionally, the year of her beatification, which took place one year ago today in Strasbourg, France, comes to a close.

We are very grateful for the opportunity to share Blessed Alphonse Maria’s year of beatification, as well as her legacy, with our Redeemer family. All warmly embraced the year’s theme, “Have courage, God is with you.” The affection for and dedication to Blessed Alphonse Maria we see every day is inspiring. Even with 205 years since her birth, her charism and mission live strong in all of you.

I take this opportunity to share with you a reflection from Blessed Alphonse Maria. Although written nearly 200 years ago, the words are as relevant today as they were then. She was indeed a visionary, and for that, we are all thankful.

“You must see the Savior in the poor and in the sick; you must serve them with kindness and joy, and consider that it is God whom we serve in them.”

 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sr. Ellen Marvel and the Sisters of the Redeemer