[1][2] Viel joined the Sisters of the Christian Schools in 1833 with the order's founder and mother general Saint Marie-Madeleine Postel being her aunt and served alongside her in various capacities.

Viel was known for being timid but also pleasant and cheerful; she made her First Communion before the mandated age because the parish priest of Quettehou believed she was mature enough.

[2][3] Her parents sent her to learn sewing when she was old enough from the village seamstress Madame Gilles and she taught catechism and the psalms to the local children.

Viel studied at Argentan as she entered the order and worked in school administration while founding new convents at her aunt's request.

[1] Her cause for canonization was introduced on 22 July 1935 titling her as a Servant of God while confirmation of her heroic virtue allowed for her to be named as Venerable on 9 February 1941.