The French Republic has granted the medal of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour to Sister Maria Louise DUVIGNAU (Sister Teresita) for her work with the natives in Zamora and at the “Mission Flores”, province of Chimborazo in Ecuador. The presentation by his Excellency Mr. Jean Baptist Main of Boissiere, Ambassador of France to Ecuador, took place the 12th of November 2010 in the Embassy residence.
Mr. Ambassador concluded saying “Sister Teresita, you honor France with your life, for your consecration to a noble and exceptional cause to the most underprivileged populations, being an example of generosity that continues being full of energy for the struggle of injustice and radiating a contagious happiness. That is why, on behalf of the President of the Republic of France, we proclaim you, “Member of the Legion of Honour.”
More details: International website of the Daughters of Charity
Other members of the Vincentian Family who have received this award.
1852: Napoleon III decided to give Sr Rosalie Rendu the Cross of the Legion of Honor. She was ready to refuse this individual honor but Fr. John Baptist Étienne, Superior General, prevailed up her to accept it.
Frederic Ozanam –  In 1846 he was named to the Legion of Honor. But at this time his health broke down and ,he was forced to take a year’s rest in Italy
Sister Denise Bauman, Superior General of the Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg
Tags: Daughters of Charity, Ecuador, Opeka
