Margaret Mary Alacoque

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was born on July 22, 1647, in L’Hautecour in Burgundy, France. The only daughter in a large family, she showed a tender love for the Blessed Sacrament from childhood. After her father’s early death, she endured poverty and a long illness that left her bedridden for four years; when she vowed herself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, she recovered and added “Mary” to her name. Though she briefly entered society at her mother’s urging, a piercing vision of Christ drew her back to her first promise, and in 1671 she entered the Visitation convent at Paray-le-Monial. There, amid trials and misunderstandings, she received profound mystical revelations of Jesus between 1673 and 1675, centered on his Sacred Heart—his burning love and sorrow over human indifference. She helped spread practices of reparation such as the Holy Hour and Communion on nine First Fridays, and her witness contributed to the Church’s celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. She is venerated as a humble messenger of Christ’s mercy and love, and is associated with places such as Porto Martins and institutions like Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Her feast day is October 16.