St. Marianne Cope

Marianne Cope (1838-1918) was born in Germany, emigrated to the United States, lived in Utica and Syracuse in western New Your State, then finally answered a call to minister to victims of leprosy on Hawaii. During her life, she spent time as a factory worker before holding several leadership positions in her religious order, the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis. In Hawaii, she embraced those whom no one else would with a spirit of love and cheerfulness. St. Marianne Cope is one of the Church’s newest official saints; she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2012. Her feast day is January 23.

For us it is happiness to be able to comfort, in a measure, the poor exiles, and we rejoice that we are unworthy agents of our heavenly Father through whom He deigns to show His great love and mercy to the sufferers.” — St. Marianne Cope

Questions for Reflection:

  • When have you answered a call to embrace the outcast?
  • When have you done difficult or even unpleasant work with a spirit of cheerfulness?