Note: For the next several weeks, I’m featuring women with a connection to the Americas.
The Basics: Born June 4, 1870, in Sweden; died April 24, 1957, in Italy; canonized June 5, 2016, by Francis; feast day, June 4; woman religious and nurse.
The Story: This newly canonized saint began her faith journey as a Lutheran. She was raised in Sweden (one of thirteen children) and came to the United States to study nursing when she was eighteen. She stayed for sixteen years, working at a New York hospital. It was during that service that she got to know a Jesuit priest and started a lengthy study of Catholicism that led to her conversion in 1902. Two years later, she moved to Rome and went on to revitalize the Order of St. Bridget, founded by her medieval countrywoman. Mary Elisabeth is known for her tireless ecumenical work, especially during World War II.
Mary Elisabeth’s Wisdom: “The Lord has called us from different nations, but we must be united with one heart and one soul.”
What We Can Learn from Mary Elisabeth: This saint spent years contemplating the Catholic faith before deciding to convert. Spend some time this week with the tenets of your denomination or faith practice. Do you believe? Talk with a priest or other learned person about the areas you find difficult to understand.
To Learn More About Mary Elisabeth: Check out the site for the Order of St. Bridget, or spend some time learning about this saint at the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara convent named in her honor.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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