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Blessed Marianne Cope
In 1883, Blessed Marianne Cope was the only one of 50 religious superiors to say “yes” in response to a plea from Hawaiian officials for sisters to provide care to persons with leprosy in Hawaii. Today, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities remain committed to caring for persons with leprosy at Kalaupapa, Molokai in Hawaii.
Born in Germany and emigrating to Utica, N.Y. at a young age, Mother Marianne Cope entered the Sisters of the Third Franciscan Order in Syracuse, N.Y. in 1862. During her mission time in Hawaii, she had many accomplishments including founding Maui’s first hospital as well as a home for the daughters of leprosy patients, which earned her the Royal Medal of Kapiolani. In addition, she remained true to her promise that no Franciscan sister would ever contract leprosy.
Hundreds of people have been touched and inspired by Mother Marianne’s deep faith and spirit of self-sacrifice. Although she died in 1918, her spirit lives on as she is in the process of becoming a canonized saint.
Learn more about Blessed Marianne Cope at her official Web site!