Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Caridad Brader

Note: For the next several weeks, I’m featuring women with a connection to the Americas.

The Basics: Born August 14, 1860, in Switzerland; died February 27, 1943, in Colombia; beatified March 23, 2004, by John Paul II; feast day, Feb. 27; woman religious, missionary.

The Story: From an early age, the girl whose birthname was Mary Josephine Caroline was a standout in

school. Perhaps it was no surprise then that she chose, over concerns from her widowed mother, to join the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, whose sisters had been her teachers. But Maria Caridad would not remain to teach children in her hometown. After eight years with her community, she was among a group of six sisters who answered an Ecuadorian bishop’s plea for missionaries. Five years later, she relocated to Colombia with the backing of a German priest and formed the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate. The community initially consisted of Swiss women, but Colombians soon joined the group. Maria Caridad led the congregation for most of the rest of her life.

In addition to her tireless work to educate Colombians, she was known for her dedication to Eucharistic adoration.

Maria Caridad’s Wisdom: “All for the love of God and how He wants it.”

What We Can Learn from Maria Caridad: Listen to where God is calling you to serve. Is it halfway across the world, as in Maria Caridad’s case, or your own home? Keep in mind her words… and serve and love in the way He desires.

To Learn More About Maria Caridad: Take a look at the museum in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia, dedicated to her.

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.