Bouteiller, Marthe le, Bl.

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BOUTEILLER, MARTHE LE, BL.

Baptized Aimée Adèle, nicknamed "Soeur Cidre" or "Sister Cider," religious; b. La Henrière (near Percy), Manche, France, Dec. 2, 1816; d. Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, France, March 18, 1883. Aimée, third of the four children of André and Marie-Française le Bouteiller, was raised on a small farm and attended a local religious school. Her school mistress, Sister Marie-Française Farcy, inspired the young girl's religious vocation. She joined the Sisters of St. Madeleine postel (1842) and served the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte in the kitchen, fields, and laundry for the rest of her life. Her constant cheerfulness and devoted service radiated the love of God through ordinary tasks. She was beatified by John Paul II on Nov. 4, 1990.

Bibliography: m. clÉvenot, Adèle l'obscure: soeur Marthe (Paris 1989).

[k. i. rabenstein]