(Courtesy photo) A likeness of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier, foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Rivier University’s namesake, is the focal point of Heritage Plaza on the school's Nashua campus.

NASHUA — On the same day that Nashua’s historic Rivier University awarded 683 degrees ranging from associate to doctoral, Pope Francis was in the process of elevating the school’s namesake, Blessed Anne Marie Rivier, to sainthood at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Saint Marie Rivier, who founded the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, which organized Rivier as a college in 1933, was one of 10 “blesseds” who entered sainthood during the canonization Mass, over which Pope Francis presided with more than 45,000 pilgrims from around the world looking on.

Members of the Sisters of the Presentation and Rivier communities traveled to Rome to take part in the historic events. In Nashua, celebrations recognizing Saint Marie Rivier and the university’s 90th anniversary will take place throughout the year.

“The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary rejoice that their foundress is recognized for her holiness of life and apostolic zeal especially among the poor and vulnerable,” Sister Helene Cote, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, said in a statement.

The recognition of Saint Marie Rivier “is far more than an award of honor,” said Rivier’s current president, Sister Paula Marie Buley.

“It is a recognition of God’s presence in the world calling each of us to ask, ‘who is my neighbor,’ ‘how shall I serve,’ and ‘what can I do?'”

Rivier University communications and marketing director Sky Croswell provided the following historic account of Saint Marie Rivier:

Born in 1768 in Montpezat, France, Anne Marie was devoutly religious throughout her life. She lived during the French Revolution, a period of great political strife, economic disparities, and social unrest.

Despite her physical limitations and societal barriers, she persevered with deep faith and a resolute heart. She opened schools and generously cared for the sick and the poor.

In 1796, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, a religious order of women dedicated to education.

After her death in 1838, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary spread to North America, and eventually to 19 countries across the world to continue their mission of service.

Today, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary continue Saint Marie Rivier’s ministry in education and social service with long standing service to the poor and vulnerable.

A bronze sculpture of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier was commissioned in 2015 and stands as the focal point of Heritage Plaza on the Rivier University campus. It serves as an enduring symbol of faith, hope, and Rivier’s service to all seeking higher education.