Sara Riel, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetSara Riel
Date of Birth: 11-Oct-1848
Place of Birth: Saint Boniface, Manitoba, Canada
Date of Death: 27-Dec-1883
Zodiac Sign: Libra 
About Sara Riel
- Sara Riel (October 11, 1848 – December 27, 1883) was the first Métis Grey Nun from Red River.
- She was a highly educated and active member of the Catholic Church.
- She is best known as the sister of Métis leader Louis Riel.
- Born in 1848 in the Red River settlement to parents Jean-Louis Riel and Julie (Lagimodière) Riel, as a young child she was surrounded by the word of God, being educated by Sisters of Charity of Montreal but also by her mother, who was dedicated to the Christian faith.
- She was inspired to become a nun after her brother Louis Riel entered the seminary to become a priest.
- Although Louis did not become a priest, Sara actively took her Solemn vows in 1868.
- She taught languages and arts at the Grey Nuns boarding schools between 1868 and 1871, after which she became a Catholic missionary.
- Her family were active members in the Red River community right up to the Métis resistance.
- Although separated from her family, her writings showed a sympathetic view on the eve of the resistance.
- Given that her brother was an active member in leading the revolution against the government, in 1869 the congregation feared for her safety and she was moved several times within a few years.
- Even though she took no active part in the cause, she provided support to her brother and a voice to the Métis of the local Catholic Churches.
- In 1871 she became the first Métis missionary from Red River and set off for Île-à -la-Crosse in northern Saskatchewan.
- In 1872 Sara Riel was taken ill and almost died, after a vision from God, Sara Riel changed her name to ‘Sister Marguerite-Marie of Alacoque’ and re-honored her vows and commitment to the Catholic Church.
- Sara actively wrote to her family telling them of her experiences, wishes, and hopes for them.
- She died of tuberculosis in 1884 at the age of 35.
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