Photo courtesy Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis
An official portrait of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis captures her gentle yet resolute expression, reflecting the humility and devotion that defined her life. Clad in the simple habit of her order, she embodies the spirit of service that led her to found Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille in Sherbrooke, dedicating her life to supporting clergy and serving others with compassion
Marie-Léonie Paradis’s legacy of service and sainthood
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a landmark event for both Sherbrooke and the Catholic Church, Marie-Léonie Paradis, a devoted nun from Quebec, has been canonized, elevating her to sainthood. Known for her life of service and dedication to aiding the clergy, Paradis founded the order of Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille in Sherbrooke. Her followers later established the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis. This local legacy has gained global recognition, drawing people from all over North America to honour a woman who exemplified humility, kindness, and a deep sense of community.
The life of Marie-Léonie Paradis
Marie-Léonie Paradis, originally born Alodie Virginie Paradis in 1840 in L’Acadie, Quebec, began her journey of faith at an early age. Her commitment to the Church led her from Montreal to New York and eventually to Sherbrooke, where she found her true calling. Through her work, she became known as “Mother” to those she served, embodying compassion and devotion. Her vision to support priests so they could focus solely on their religious responsibilities formed the basis of her work and the founding mission of her order, Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille, or the Little Sisters of the Holy Family.
Anita Verrier, a member of Les Petites Soeurs and a representative at the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis in Sherbrooke, described her as a humble figure who always put others before herself. “People sometimes emphasize the miracles, but it’s not just about that,” Verrier explained in a recent interview. “She was a saint to us because of who she was and how she lived her life.” The centre, which continues her legacy in Sherbrooke, is a sacred place for many who wish to connect with Paradis’ life and values.
Family connections and community ties
Lise-Anne Paradis, a descendant of Marie-Léonie, shared her insights Oct. 24 into the familial and historical background that connects their family to Sherbrooke. “She’s my grandfather’s aunt,” Lise-Anne clarified, noting that the family’s roots extend back through several generations in Quebec. Her great-grandfather, Émilien-Zéphirin Paradis, who served as mayor of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, was Marie-Léonie’s brother. Lise-Anne spoke warmly of the family’s pride in their connection to a woman now regarded as a saint. “It’s like the Nobel Prize for us,” she remarked, adding that even though she no longer practices Catholicism, she recognizes the honour and significance of this canonization.
Marie-Léonie’s journey to sainthood has been watched closely by her relatives, who have preserved their family history meticulously. Lise-Anne recounted how her ex-husband, a medieval scholar, created a detailed genealogical tree documenting the Paradis family’s lineage, tracing it back to the early settlers of L’Acadie, now a suburb of Sherbrooke. The family continues to take great pride in this heritage and Marie-Léonie’s lasting impact on their community.
A life dedicated to service
Marie-Léonie Paradis’s mission extended far beyond Sherbrooke. Before her work in Quebec, she traveled to New York, where she assisted orphaned children, going as far as collecting food from restaurants to feed those in need. Later, she worked in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she taught young women practical skills like French and knitting. But her primary goal was always to aid priests in fulfilling their spiritual duties. “She wanted priests to focus entirely on their mission, and we took care of everything else,” Verrier noted, explaining that the sisters would handle cooking, cleaning, and other tasks so clergy could focus on their religious obligations. This model inspired many women to join her cause and eventually led to the formal establishment of the order in 1880 in Memramcook, New Brunswick.
Her work in Sherbrooke quickly gained recognition. Even local law enforcement officers admired her, often advising people in distress to seek “Mother” for counsel and comfort. “She was always there, walking around, helping where she could,” Verrier recalled, describing Marie-Léonie’s remarkable presence and influence within the community. Through these small, everyday acts, she made an indelible mark on Sherbrooke, one that has been remembered by generations.
Path to canonization
Marie-Léonie Paradis’s journey to sainthood was a long one. She was beatified in 1984 by Pope John Paul II, a significant step that acknowledged her exceptional virtue. According to Lise-Anne Paradis, her family took great interest in this event, seeing it as an important honour. Beatification, the first step toward sainthood, recognizes a person’s entry into heaven and their ability to intercede on behalf of those who pray in their name.
For full canonization, however, the Church required evidence of a second miracle attributed to Marie-Léonie’s intercession. This came in the form of a remarkable recovery of a newborn suffering from severe health complications. Diagnosed with prolonged perinatal asphyxia and organ failure, the infant’s survival was credited to prayers directed to Marie-Léonie. The Vatican investigated the case thoroughly and accepted it as a legitimate miracle, fulfilling the requirement for sainthood.
A portrait of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis is displayed prominently at the Vatican during the official announcement of her sainthood, honouring her life of humility and service. Surrounded by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, the image pays tribute to the Quebec-born nun whose dedication to supporting the clergy and caring for the vulnerable inspired generations
Celebrating a saint’s legacy in Sherbrooke
The canonization of Marie-Léonie Paradis has had a profound impact on Sherbrooke, particularly at the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis, where her life and teachings continue to inspire. October saw an influx of visitors to the centre, with people coming from as far as Chicago, Spokane, and various parts of Canada to celebrate her legacy. “We had friends come from all over,” Verrier said, recalling the prayerful atmosphere at the recent gatherings. “The singing was beautiful, and everyone felt a sense of unity and peace. It reminded us of the goodness still present in the world,” she added.
For the sisters at Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille, the canonization is not merely a formal recognition by the Church; it’s a validation of their longstanding faith in her sanctity. “She was always a saint to us,” Verrier reflected. “Rome just confirmed what we already knew.” This official acknowledgment has further strengthened the community’s bond with Marie-Léonie, reinforcing her legacy within Sherbrooke.
Four sisters of Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille stand proudly before a statue of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis at the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis in Sherbrooke, honouring the legacy of their recently canonized founder
The Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis: A living testament to her legacy
The Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis, located at 1820 Galt Street in Sherbrooke, remains a sacred space dedicated to honoring Marie-Léonie’s life and work. Verrier shared that the canonization has brought renewed attention to the centre, with more people reaching out to learn about her life. “She belongs to everyone now, to the world,” Verrier said, describing the global interest in Marie-Léonie’s legacy. The centre expects continued interest, welcoming visitors and researchers alike to explore the story of a woman whose life was marked by profound compassion and service.
For those in Sherbrooke, the centre is more than just a monument to a saint; it’s a reminder of the impact one person can have on an entire community. The sisters are hopeful that Marie-Léonie’s example will inspire others to embrace a life of service and humility. “It’s not just about the miracles; it’s about who she was as a person,” Verrier explained, emphasizing that her sainthood is a recognition of her entire life, not merely her ability to intercede.
Moving forward with St. Marie-Léonie’s legacy
As more people become aware of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis and the community in Sherbrooke are prepared to welcome visitors who seek to connect with her story. Her canonization serves as both a cultural and spiritual milestone, one that brings pride not only to her descendants but also to the city of Sherbrooke. Lise-Anne Paradis expressed her appreciation for this renewed interest, noting that the family has received numerous inquiries from people inspired by her ancestor’s journey. “It’s wonderful to see how many lives she continues to touch,” she said.
In Sherbrooke, where Paradis’s work and the order she founded remain an integral part of the community, her canonization is more than just a religious event; it’s a celebration of a woman who devoted her life to the service of others. Marie-Léonie Paradis’s legacy transcends time, embodying a spirit of selflessness that resonates with people from all walks of life.
St. Marie-Léonie Paradis is now a global figure, yet her heart remains in Sherbrooke, where her journey of faith began. Her life’s work and the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis stand as a beacon for those who seek to make a difference in the world through compassion, humility, and devotion to community.
An icon of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, crafted by iconographer Lucie Serveaux of Reunion Island, vividly encapsulates the virtues and spiritual symbols that defined the saint’s life. Her serene eyes and small mouth reflect humility and a hidden life in imitation of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The crucifix she once spoke of so fondly—“Look at the crucifix on your chest, it will tell you all the love He had for you and the suffering He endured to save you”—rests close to her heart, embodying her devotion to Christ’s sacrifice. The luminous gold background signifies the holy, unconditional love of the Trinity that now surrounds her in heaven.
A stole draped over her arm marks her mission to support priests in their ministry, while her rosary, a symbol of her deep trust in Mary, speaks to her words: “My trust is unlimited in our good mother Mary.” Clad in a simple habit, she is shown fully consecrated to her faith, while a blessing hand emerging from a cloud above signifies the divine providence and blessing that guided her earthly journey.