Saint of the day for December 15: the story of Blessed Maria Francesca Schervier

Saint of the day for December 15nd
(January 3, 1819 - December 14, 1876)

The story of the Blessed Maria Francesca Schervier

This woman who once wanted to become a Trappist nun was instead guided by God to establish a community of nuns who care for the sick and the elderly in the United States and around the world.

Born into an illustrious family in Aachen, then ruled by Prussia, but formerly Aix-la-Chapelle, France, Frances ran the family after her mother died and earned a reputation for generosity towards the poor. In 1844 she became a Secular Franciscan. The following year she and four companions founded a religious community dedicated to caring for the poor. In 1851 the Sisters of the Poor of San Francesco were approved by the local bishop; the community soon spread. The first foundation in the United States dates back to 1858.

Mother Frances visited the United States in 1863 and helped her sisters care for soldiers wounded in the civil war. He visited the United States again in 1868. He encouraged Philip Hoever as he founded the Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis.

When Mother Frances died, there were 2.500 members of her community in the world. They are still busy running hospitals and homes for the elderly. Mother Mary Frances was beatified in 1974.

Reflection

The sick, the poor and the elderly are constantly in danger of being considered "useless" members of society and therefore ignored, or worse. Women and men motivated by the ideals of Mother Frances are necessary if the dignity given by God and the destiny of all people is to be respected.