Bl. Agnes de Jesus Galand

Feast Day: October 19

A Dominican mystic of the XVII century, Mother Agnes is known principally for her providential role in the life of Monsieur Olier, founder of Saint Sulpice for the formation of priests.

She was born in 1602 at Puy in Velay, France. From childhood she was known for piety, love of poverty and courageous charity; she was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Lady.

At the age of 21 she was received into the Dominican laity in Puy; in 1624, after great discussion, she entered the Dominican Monastery at Langeac as a choir sister. Later she was elected prioress, deposed and reelected. Her humility, charity and especially her mystical graces often disconcerted those around her.

She died in 1634 and leaves a twofold Dominican posterity: the nuns of the monastery of St. Catherine at Langeac (Note that she is also known as Mother Agnes of Langeac.) and a congregation of the apostolic life called “Dominicans of Mother Agnes” at Puy, although she is not their foundress.