Today, September 9th, marks an extraordinary celebration for the Sisters of the Redeemer and our partners-in-mission as we honor the Feast of our Founder, Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger.
We commemorate September 9th as her official Feast Day because it celebrates the anniversary of Blessed Alphonse Maria’s birth in Niederbronn, France in 1814. Today, three Congregations of religious sisters across 17 countries, including the Sisters of the Redeemer, call Blessed Alphonse Maria their Founder. We are grateful to share her Redeemer Charism, Spirituality, and Mission with all of you.
As a young woman in rural France, Blessed Alphonse Maria faced seemingly insurmountable challenges—war, famine, disease, and poverty. She herself often struggled with poor health. Yet instead of surrendering to despair, she chose to live in hope.
For Blessed Alphonse Maria, hope was deeply rooted in her unwavering belief that God’s everlasting love and concern for humanity never diminishes, even amid the darkest struggles such as poverty and sickness. Called by the Spirit of God, she courageously and compassionately began providing home-based services to neighbors in need. She ministered with such empathy and passion that she earned a reputation as being a radical and visionary.
“Have courage, God is with you!” -Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger