Catholic saint biography
St. Mary Magdalene Postel
- Commemoration:
- July 16
- Lived:
- 1756–1846 — France
July 16 is Mary Magdalene Postel’s commemoration; the diocesan proper of Coutances and Avranches uses July 17.
Why dates and liturgical observances can differ
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Biography
Mary Magdalene Postel was a teacher and religious founder from Barfleur in Normandy. Born Julie Postel, she opened a school before the French Revolution. During the persecution of the Church she helped priests, taught the catechism and supported the sacramental life of the sick and other Catholics.
In 1807 she and her first companions formed a teaching congregation, eventually establishing their community at the former abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. The education of girls from poor families remained central to their work. She died in 1846 and was canonized in 1925. Her July 16 commemoration is distinct from the July 17 celebration noted in the diocesan proper of Coutances and Avranches.
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What will you carry with you?
After reading about St. Mary Magdalene Postel, take a moment to consider:
- Which event or decision in this life stood out to you?
- What virtue would you like to understand or practice more deeply?
- What small action could you take today in response?
These are reflection prompts from Saint Discovery, not quotations from the saint.
Sources and further reading
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Individual Catholic institutional source review; original concise factual summary. Checked against all existing canonical directory identities and aliases. Individual person, not a group or an observance; original English biography written from the linked Catholic sources.
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