Did you know that a roundabout can tell a story? Here at Rond-Point Caroline Malvesin in Marseille we find a life dedicated to service. It’s more than just a place where roads meet. It’s a tribute to a woman who changed lives.
Rond-Point Caroline Malvesin honors a remarkable woman. Caroline Malvesin was born in Marseille. Her birth year was 1806. Her father was a merchant. He traded colonial goods. Tragedy struck when Caroline was thirteen. She lost her mother. The family later faced financial ruin. They returned to Saintonge.
Caroline dreamed of helping others. She wanted to be a sister of charity. There was a problem though. No Protestant religious order existed in France back then. After her father’s death in 1824 Caroline became a tutor. In 1832 she assisted her sister. Her sister ran a boarding school in Bordeaux. Caroline stayed there until 1841. It was here she met Pastor Antoine Vermeil. They became friends.
A sermon by Adolphe Monod deeply moved Caroline. Monod was a professor of theology. She wrote to him about her struggles. He responded with a letter filled with biblical quotes. Caroline prayed and reread the letter. She found peace and joy. This newfound faith led her to evangelize her students. Sarah Monod noted a real awakening among them.
Caroline wrote to Antoine Vermeil in 1841. She expressed her sadness. She saw no open doors to serve the Lord. That same day Vermeil wrote to her. He spoke of his project of deaconesses. Their letters crossed in the mail. This marked the start of their collaboration. From February to May they exchanged letters. They shaped the community that became the Diaconesses of Reuilly.
Caroline moved to Paris that year. She stayed with Pastor Vermeil and his wife. Later she moved into a small house. It was near the Charenton barrier. The leadership council formed shortly after. It included Pastor Vermeil and Caroline Malvesin. She was now Sister Caroline Malvesin. Other members included Madame Jules Mallet and Madame Jacques Matter.
The community was founded in a house on Rue des Trois-Sabres. In 1845 the work moved. Its new location was 95 Rue de Reuilly. This gave the order its name. Sister Caroline led the community for 26 years. The sisters were very busy. They assisted children and women. They helped the poor. The workload was crushing both spiritually and administratively.
The initiative faced criticism. Some had theological reasons. Both liberals and evangelicals criticized them. However many supported the community. These supporters included Adolphe Monod and Henri Grandpierre.
Caroline considered retirement in 1862. Her intended replacement died suddenly in 1863. She asked again to be relieved of her duties in 1867. In 1871 Sister P.A. Waller finally replaced her.
Sister Caroline soon left Fontainebleau. She moved to Changis. Although retired she continued to serve. In 1873 she started an infant school. A primary school followed in 1876. She also cared for orphaned relatives. Two deaconesses were assigned to assist her. In 1887 at age 81 she returned to Reuilly. She retired there permanently. She died there.
Caroline Malvesin co-designed the Diaconesses of Reuilly. She worked with Pastor Antoine Vermeil. The order remains active today. Their vision is summarized in a brochure. It announced their initiative to Protestant churches. It was titled Establishment of Protestant Sisters of Charity in France.
The community is built on five principles. These are announcing God’s Kingdom, consecration to Jesus, community life, a spirit of charity, and an evangelical base. As you stand here at Rond-Point Caroline Malvesin remember her legacy. She co-founded an order. It continues to serve and inspire. Her dedication shaped countless lives. She left an indelible mark.