Thérèse Liotard Mari: A Life of Service and Courage
Early Life and Influences
Thérèse Liotard Mari was born in 1891 in the small village of Saint-Denis, Quebec. Her parents were devout Catholics, and she was raised in a deeply religious environment. From a young age, Thérèse exhibited a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help others.
Missionary Work in Africa
In 1914, at the age of 23, Thérèse joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyon and was sent to Africa as a missionary. She spent the next 12 years working in various missions in Senegal and the Ivory Coast.
Thérèse's work in Africa was marked by her unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized. She established schools and clinics, providing education and healthcare to those who desperately needed it. Her tireless efforts earned her the respect and admiration of both the local population and the colonial authorities.
Return to Canada and Continued Service
In 1926, Thérèse returned to Canada due to ill health. However, she continued her work with the poor and marginalized in her home country. She founded several charitable organizations, including the Association des Dames de la Charité, which provided food and clothing to the needy.
Recognition and Legacy
Thérèse Liotard Mari's life and work were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1954, she was awarded the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in the country. She also received honorary doctorates from several universities.
Thérèse Liotard Mari passed away in 1979 at the age of 88. Her legacy continues through the numerous organizations that she founded and the countless lives that she touched. She is remembered as a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, and her story serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference in the world.
Thérèse Liotard Mari
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