Pauline Jaricot

In the aftermath of the French Revolution, Pauline Jaricot (1799-1862) founded the Association for the Propagation of the Faith in 1822, launching what would become one of the greatest missionary enterprises in Church history. From humble beginnings with 25,000 francs in its first year, the Association grew exponentially reaching 500 million francs over its first century and spreading to every corner of the globe. This biography, with a preface by Paul Claudel, chronicles how a simple young woman from Lyons established a worldwide network of prayer and alms that transcended national boundaries, eventually moving to Rome in 1919 to fulfill Pauline's vision of universal Catholic solidarity in evangelization.

The religious benefit of Pauline's life lies in her demonstration that sanctity is achieved through suffering and humble obedience. Despite founding a global institution that distributed millions to missions worldwide, she died in poverty in 1862, offering her trials as a "bank for heaven." Her legacy teaches us that a single soul, united with the Cross, can initiate a work of divine magnitude— proving that the "best cross" is the one assigned by Providence, and that pure intention transforms ordinary existence into extraordinary sanctity that continues saving souls across generations.

Translated by Elizabeth Sainte-Marie Perrin

288 pages

Translated by Elizabeth Sainte-Marie Perrin