Marie Rose Ferron

Marie Rose Ferron

Marie Rose Ferron (May 24, 1902 – May 11, 1936), often referred to as "Little Rose," was a Canadian-American Roman Catholic mystic and stigmatist. Born in Quebec, Canada, she later moved with her family to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in the United States. Ferron is known for her deep spiritual life, including receiving the stigmata, which are wounds resembling those of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. Her life and experiences have been a subject of interest and veneration among some Catholics, though she has not been canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.

Early Life

Marie Rose Ferron was born in Saint Germain de Grantham, Quebec, Canada, to devout Catholic parents. The family moved to the United States in search of better opportunities when Rose was a young child, settling in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. From an early age, Ferron exhibited a profound religious sensibility and devotion. She was often ill and suffered various health problems throughout her life.

Spiritual Experiences

Ferron reported her first mystical experiences in her early teens, claiming visions of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and several saints. By the age of 18, she claimed to have received the stigmata, the physical manifestations of Christ's wounds from the crucifixion. These claims were met with both belief and skepticism. Throughout her life, Ferron's stigmatic wounds were periodically examined by both believers and skeptics, including medical professionals, some of whom attested to their authenticity, while others questioned it.

Veneration and Skepticism

The case of Marie Rose Ferron is marked by a division between those who venerate her as a mystic and potential saint and those who view her experiences with skepticism. Despite the controversy, Ferron maintained a significant following, particularly among the French-Canadian and Catholic communities in the United States and Canada. Her life has been documented in several biographies and religious texts, contributing to her legacy as a figure of interest in Catholic mysticism.

Death and Legacy

Marie Rose Ferron died on May 11, 1936, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Following her death, her grave became a site of pilgrimage for some of her devotees. Although the Roman Catholic Church has not officially recognized Ferron as a saint, her life continues to inspire those interested in the phenomena of mysticism and stigmatization within the Church. Discussions about her beatification process have occurred, but as of now, she has not been beatified or canonized.

See Also

• Stigmata
• Mysticism in the Catholic Church
• List of stigmatics

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