Marie-Rosalie Cadron-Jetté

Marie-Rosalie Cadron-Jetté, known by her religious name Marie of the Nativity, was born on January 27, 1794, in Lavaltrie, Quebec. A devoted widow and midwife, she dedicated her life to the charitable care of unwed and struggling mothers from 1840 until her passing in 1864. Her compassionate work led her to establish the Congregation of the Sisters of Misericorde, a Roman Catholic religious institute focused on supporting these vulnerable women and their children.

In 1811, Marie-Rosalie married Jean-Marie Jetté, and together they had eleven children, though many tragically died in infancy. After moving to Montreal in 1827, she faced the loss of her husband to cholera in 1832. This personal tragedy fueled her commitment to helping others, particularly unwed mothers who faced significant social stigma during that era.

Initially, Cadron-Jetté provided care from her home and the residences of her children. With the support of Ignace Bourget, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montreal, she expanded her efforts, eventually operating from the Hospice de Sainte-Pélagie. In 1848, she took religious vows and, alongside several women, founded the Sisters of Misericorde, which became a sanctuary for unwed mothers.

In 1849, she obtained formal midwifery qualifications, further enhancing her ability to serve her community. The Sisters of Misericorde established a convent in 1853, where Cadron-Jetté spent the remainder of her life. Following her death on April 5, 1864, her legacy continued, and in 1989, the process for her canonization was initiated, with Pope Francis declaring her venerable in 2013.