The Basics: Born September 4, 1865, in Poland; died March 24, 1935, in Poland; beatified June 6, 1997, by John Paul II; feast day, June 6. Woman religious; social worker.
The Story: Maria learned a seamstress’s trade in Berlin, then joined her sister’s sewing and embroidery shop 
back in what is now Poland’s Pomeranian area. It was there Maria began encountering women who had come to the area from the country in search of work, only to find themselves so desperate that they were working as prostitutes. Unlike many others, Maria didn’t shun the women. Instead, she repaired their finery, listened to them–and talked with them about the Lord. She wasn’t quite thirty when she founded the Sisters of the Good Shepherd of Divine Providence, a congregation that ultimately took on the motto, “Search and save that which was lost.” Maria and her sisters eventually established nine centers where they taught the women marketable skills and provided medical care and spiritual guidance where desired. In 1928, Maria was awarded Poland’s highest civilian honor, the Gold Cross of Merit.
Maria’s Wisdom: “Make Christ more visible than we ourselves.”
What We Can Learn from Maria: Where are you judging someone on what he or she wears or does? Take time today to engage the person in conversation. Ask questions. Listen.
To Learn More About Maria: The Sisters of the Good Shepherd Web site has a treasure trove of information about Maria.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
