Blessed
Maria dell’Incarnazione (Avrillot)
Biography
Barbara Avrillot had the merit of introducing the Carmelite reform of Saint Teresa of Avila to France. Born in Paris in 1566 to a noble family, she studied with the Minor Sisters of Humility of Our Lady at Longchamp.
She was married to the Viscount of Villemor, with whom she had six children. Her spiritual director was St. Francis de Sales and in 1601 she became acquainted with the writings of Saint Teresa. She was so impressed that she set off to bring the Discalced Carmelites to France.
The first Carmel arose in Paris in 1604, followed by Pontoise, Dijon and Amiens. All three of Barbara’s daughters took the habit. She did so in 1614, after her husband’s death, under the name of Mary of the Incarnation. She died on 18th of April 1618.
The beatification ceremony was held on June 5, 1791.
Procedure
1. The canonical norms concerning the procedure to be followed in the Causes of Saints are stated in the Apostolic Constitution Divinus Perfectionis Magister promulgated by John Paul II on 25 January 1983 (AAS LXXV, 1983, 349-355).
2. To initiate a Cause it is necessary that at least five years pass after the death of the candidate. This is to allow for greater balance and objectivity in the evaluation of the case and to allow the emotions of the moment to decant. There must be a clear conviction among people about his/her sanctity (fama sanctitas) and about the efficacy of his/her intercession with the Lord (fama signorum).
Iconography
