Blessed Anna Maria Teresa Scherer

Biography

Blessed Anna Maria Teresa Scherer, also known as Ana María Catalina Scherer, Anna Maria Katharina Scherer, Maria Teresa Scherer, and Maria Theresia Scherer, was born on October 31, 1825, in Meggen, Luzern, Switzerland. She was the fourth of seven children, and unfortunately, her father passed away when she was only seven years old. As a result, her mother could only support herself and three of the children, so Katharina and her siblings were raised by extended family members.

Even from a young age, Katharina felt a strong calling to religious life. This calling led her to join the newly formed Teaching Sisters' Institute on March 1, 1845. Taking the name Sister Mary Theresa, she embarked on a life dedicated to serving God and others. Sister Mary Theresa started her journey as a teacher, serving in various Swiss cities such as Galgenen, Baar, and Oberageri. During this time, she not only imparted knowledge upon her students but also honed her administrative skills.

In 1850, Sister Mary Theresa's compassion for the poor and orphans led her to take charge of a home for them in Nafels, Switzerland. The local community quickly recognized her selfless dedication and affectionately called her the "mother of the poor." She also took on the management of a small hospital in the same year. This marked the beginning of splitting the Sisters into groups devoted to teaching and other works of mercy.

The teaching Sisters eventually left in 1856, and Sister Mary Theresa became the co-founder and first superior of a new congregation called the Sisters for Schools and Care of the Poor. This congregation later became known as the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross of Ingenbohl. Mother Mary Theresa, as she was now known, worked tirelessly for the expansion of the Sisters' service. By the time of her death, there were over 400 convents with more than 1500 sisters, and Mother Mary Theresa was considered a living embodiment of their holy rule.

Throughout her life, Mother Mary Theresa dedicated herself to serving those in need. The Sisters of Mercy under her guidance cared for the poor, orphans, patients in military hospitals, and ministered to prisoners. Her selflessness and devotion to God were evident in every aspect of her work.

On June 16, 1888, Mother Mary Theresa Scherer passed away in Ingenbohl, Schwyz, Switzerland, due to natural causes. Her remarkable life of virtue and holiness did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her heroic virtues, she was venerated on April 2, 1993, by Pope John Paul II. Later, on October 29, 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified her, acknowledging her as Blessed Anna Maria Teresa Scherer, a model of faith and service to the Church.

Today, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross of Ingenbohl continue to carry on the good work begun by Blessed Anna Maria Teresa Scherer. They serve the poor, care for orphans, tend to patients in military hospitals, and offer spiritual guidance to prisoners. Blessed Anna Maria Teresa Scherer's legacy lives on as an inspiration to all who strive to imitate her selfless love and devotion to God.