St. Maria Crescentia Hoss was born in what is now Germany on October 20, 1682 and died on April 5, 1744.
Maria Crescentia was the seventh of eight children, and her family wasn’t able to put funds for the customary dowry for her to become a contemplative Franciscan nun. A local official did a favor for the monastery and asked in return only that the girl be allowed to join the community. The sisters did so reluctantly, treating her with disdain until another superior came in a few years later.
Instead of becoming bitter, Maria Crescentia chose to treat others with charity and compassion, and went on to serve as mother superior herself for the last three years of her life.
St. Maria Crescentia Hoss said: “God wants the monastery rich in virtue, not in temporal
goods.”
It’s easy to lash out at those who are unkind to us. Just for today, trade a smile or compliment for every cut or insult you experience. Journal about how you feel at the end of the day.
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