The Basics: Born May 27, 1811, in Italy; died December 7, 1880, in Italy; canonized June 12, 1949, by Pius XII; feast day, December 7. Woman religious, caregiver.
The Story: Initially, money stood in the way of Mary Joseph’s vocation. She didn’t have enough money for a dowry, so she went to work for an invalid for seven years. She felt then that it was time to serve God, and while the invalid’s family could have provided the additional money she needed, they chose not to because they didn’t want her to leave. Eventually, the local bishop was instrumental in helping Mary Joseph and others found the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, which continues today to minister to the underprivileged. Mary Joseph remembered her early struggles, and never required a dowry for prospective members in the forty years she was the superior.
Mary Joseph’s Wisdom: “Unless we are generous with God, he will not be with us.”
What We Can Learn: We can become bitter about the struggles we have had in life, or we can work to help those facing the same challenges. Give a kind word or a listening ear to someone who’s having a hard time similar to one you went there at sometime.
To Learn More About Mary Joseph: Check out the Web site of Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy in the United States.
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.
