Mathilde Raclot

Reverend Mother Saint Mathilde Raclot (born Marie-Justine Raclot; 9 February 1814 – 20 January 1911) was a 19th-century French Catholic nun and missionary from the Sisters of the Infant Jesus who traveled to different countries in East Asia to set up Catholic schools and orphanages. In Singapore, she founded the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus girls' school and later traveled to Japan where she established a hospice and homeless shelter. In 2014, Mother Mathilde Raclot was inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame.

Early life Marie-Justine Raclot was born the 9 February 1814 in the small village of Suriauville in Lorraine, France. Her father, François Raclot, was the future mayor of Suriauville. Marie-Justice is born of a middle-class and pious family. She was from 12 to 16 sent to a boarding school in Langres run by the Sisters of the Infant Jesus. Her religious vocation born there, and she already dreamt of Japan.

She returned home, and at the age of 18 she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus, despite her mother's disapproval. After two years she was given the religious name Saint Mathilde. Aged 21, she was sent in 1835 to teach in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, followed by Béziers in 1838, and Sète in 1841.

After 15 years in Asia, she traveled in France to make a report of the Missions to the Mother Superior. During these discussions, the subject of a foundation in Japan was raised.