Bl. Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger

Today we celebrate the feast day of Bl. Mary Theresa. Bl. Mary Theresa was born June 20, 1797 in Bavaria. Bl. Mary Theresa had been encouraged for much time by her parish priest to become a teacher. Bl. Mary Theresa was a strong believer that a child's need to experience true love, safety and food were as important as a child’s need to receive formal education. Bl. Mary Theresa said "Let us never forget the love of Jesus for children, whom he took upon his lap and blessed."

Bl. Mary Theresa felt the calling from God to create a beautiful religious community which would solve the social situation that had been occurring through education. Bl. Mary Theresa’s work, which was helping women and children grow to their full potential, was the founding principle of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Bl. Mary Theresa brought the order and put the order in to place in America, this transition to America occurred following the wave of German immigration. Within a year, they had established a community in seven cities.

Bl. Mary Theresa died on May 9, 1879. During that day, her congregation had more than 2500 people in it. They met all the needs during that time by educating girls who were in elementary schools, orphanages, industrial schools and day nurseries and pioneered in the development of the Kindergarten. They also provided for girls who were working in factories, they provided homes and night schools where they could receive a good education.

During that time a lot of the religious orders were run by men. However, Bl. Mary Theresa was convinced that a woman could better understand, direct and motivate her sisters.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame and their plans, rules and rights were approved by Pope Pius IX in 1865. This approval allowed Bl. Mary Theresa and her successors, have the opportunity to govern the congregation.

Bl. Mary Theresa of Jesus was later beatified during the year 1985 by. St. John Paul ll. Bl. Mary Theresa’s feast day is celebrated on May 9.

Prayer to Bl. Mary Theresa:

Bl. Mary Theresa please protect all the children in the world, especially those who may live in a war torn country, poverty, and also for those children who may have an illness or have experienced trauma. Bl. Mary Theresa help us to help all the children who are experiencing any tough situations and help those children find comfort and peace in Christ.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord and Mary Our Mother in Heaven

Amen

Bl. Mary Theresa pray for us

St. Joseph pray for us

May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.

---

Works Cited

Information (read from, not taken):

Catholic Online. "Bl. Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. ”Bl. Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online. Accessed 9, May 2021.

Images:

Bl. Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. May 9, 2021. blessed theresa gerhardinger - Google Search.