Definition: Saint Martha

According to the Scriptures, Saint Martha was a follower of Christ and devoted herself to helping the poor. Widely venerated in the Avignon region, she is the founder of numerous congregations around the world, most notably the community of the Sisters of Saint Martha, which took possession of the hospices of Beaune. From Beaune, they spread 70 km north to Dôle and 70 km south to Belleville in the heart of the Beaujolais region. These communities are characterised by their work in caring for the sick and tending to the vines. In fact, Saint Martha is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of housewives (always attentive to others' needs) and innkeepers (always offering their wines).

Sister of Saint Martha
Devoted and attentive, these little sisters in cornettes express themselves best near altars and in hotels dedicated to God, if possible. Devoted to wearing veils in all circumstances, they reconcile both faith and care for the weary, feverish and weak in the high places of hospitality, and care for barrels, flasks and vials in the "lower depths" of the hospital. From the cellar to the dormitory, our little nuns flourish in spiritual and earthly devotion, as Gérard Oury's film "La Grande Vadrouille" illustrates in a very humorous way.

Saint Martha watched over these veiled ladies who knew how to outwit the occupiers of a territory whose resources were to be used primarily for the sick and not for the invading warriors.