Her older sister, Victoire, died when Rose was only nine years old. One year later her father, a well loved physician, passed away. At age fourteen, while attending boarding school far away from her beloved home near the sea, she received news that her brother lost his life. Just one difficult year later after her mother had already been buried, Rose was told that her mother had died. Half of her childhood was marked by loss and grief.   

 At the age of 18, Rose chose to face her uncertain future with determined confidence that no suffering would ever be greater than the power of the Lord’s love.  The reality of God’s presence within all of human suffering, gave Rose the courage and burning desire to entrust herself completely to the mercy of God.

Taking the Good Shepherd at His Word, St. Mary Euphrasia lived what she believed:  God would  complete his work of healing and grace in her heart and give these graces to others who seek for his Mercy.