Beatification of Pauline Jaricot

On Sunday May 22, Pauline Marie Jaricot was raised to the order of Blessed in the French city of Lyon, where she was born a wealthy heiress and died poor, having embraced not material but spiritual wealth in the love of God.

At the direction of Pope Francis, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, presided over the beatification. The ceremony gathered nearly 12,000 people from around the world in the Eurexpo Exhibition Hall in Lyon, and was broadcast globally.

The procession was led by Mayline Tran, the young French girl saved by the intercession of Pauline, who presented Pauline’s wooden cross and the relic of her heart onto the altar.

The ceremony highlighted the faith that inhabited Pauline’s heart and the bold courage that she used to find creative ways to enhance people’s generosity.

She is an inspiration of devotion to the great work of global mission.

“Pauline dedicated her life to the mission, to the service of the poor and to prayer,” wrote Pope Francis in his letter read during the beatification.

While her story started in France, her legacy has spread internationally, with Catholic agencies carrying the love of the Gospel and mission across the world. In Australia, Catholic Mission is the representation of her legacy, as we continue her vision of supporting mission work in communities in most need.

Events took place across Australia, as many gathered to celebrate the beatification of Pauline, her life, and her devotion to mission.

In Western Australia, in St Joseph’s Parish, Manjimup, a Women with a Mission Weekend gathered local parishioners and national guests through the live stream of the event. The weekend focused on honoring Pauline and other women who, like her, devoted their lives to the work of mission.

In Melbourne, a special mass was celebrated to honour the beatification of Pauline and her work in the Genazzano FCJ College chapel; meanwhile in Brisbane, celebrations were held in the Banyo Nundah Parish, and in Logan with a fun family day.

“I lit the match that lit the fire.”

The beatification of Pauline Jaricot marks a key milestone in her journey to become a Saint. A second miracle needs to be recognised by the Church as the next step in the process of her cause for canonisation. •

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1835

Pauline invested in a social factory to provide employment. She lost her money due to dishonest managers. Pauline became penniless and lived in poverty for the rest of her life.

Despite her fragile health, Pauline undertook a pilgrimage to Saint Philomena’s shrine in Italy, where she miraculously healed.

1845 1862

Pauline died on January 9, 1862, in Lyon, France. On May 3, 1922, Pope Pius XI declared the Society for the Propagation of the Faith “Pontifical”.

1922 2022

On May 22, 2022, Pauline Marie Jaricot was beatified in Saint-Nizier Church, Lyon, France.