Mother Marie Antoinette, C.I.J. (1862-1905)

Today marks the death of Mother Marie Antoinette, C.I.J., foundress of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus. Born Mary Host in France, she was orphaned at eleven and raised by relatives. At age 21 she entered the Sisters of the Infant Jesus. She cared for orphans in France and taught school in Belgium. From 1890 to 1901, she was supervisor of a hospital in LeMans. At that time, the French government was enacting a series of laws designed to curb the power and influence of the Church. Among other things, these laws forbade religious communities to meet for works of charity. The Separation Law of 1905 turned over Church property to the State, bringing the work of religious communities almost to a standstill. Many had to leave France. Mother Marie Antoinette and eleven sisters went to England, where they spent a short time before emigrating to the United States in hopes of starting a nursing mission in the West. However, Brooklyn Bishop Charles McDonnell persuaded them to stay in his diocese. In 1907 the sisters were established as a separate foundation, and they became known as the Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor.

(Adapted from the Community’s website)