Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon

In 1875, Bishop Jean Langevin invited her to Rimouski to lead an association of schoolteachers. Élisabeth insisted on founding a true religious community. On September 12, 1879, she and twelve companions pronounced their vows. She became the first superior of the congregation of the Sisters of the Little Schools. She dedicated herself to the instruction of poor children in the countryside, drafted the constitutions, and opened missions in Saint-Gabriel-de-Rimouski, Port-Daniel, and Saint-Godefroi. Exhausted, she died on August 17, 1881. The congregation would take the name of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in 1891.

The reputation for holiness of Élisabeth Turgeon endured after her death. The canonical inquiry opened on November 15, 1990, in the diocese of Rimouski. On October 11, 2013, Pope Francis declared her venerable by recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues. A decree recognizing a miracle attributed to her intercession was promulgated on September 17, 2014, paving the way for her beatification.

Marie-Élisabeth Turgeon was beatified on April 26, 2015, at the Saint-Robert-Bellarmin church in Rimouski. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, representing Pope Francis. Her liturgical feast is set for August 17, the day of her death.

The spirituality of Élisabeth Turgeon is based on the motto "All to Jesus through Mary," characterized by absolute trust in Providence and a deep love for children and the poor. Today, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary continue their mission in Canada, the United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, and Lebanon. Her tomb is located at the Mother House of the congregation in Rimouski.