Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering

Biography

Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering, also known as Countess Droste zu Vischering, Maria Anna Johanna Franziska Theresia Antonia Huberta Droste zu Vischering, Maria of the Sacred Heart, Mary of the Divine Heart of Jesus, or Maria vom G√∂ttlichen Herzen, was born on September 8, 1863, in Münster, Germany. She was born into the wealthy German nobility and had a twin brother named Max. Her parents, Count Klemens Heidenreich Franz Hubertus Eusebius Maria Droste zu Vischering and Countess Helene Clementine Maria Anna Sybille Huberta Antonia of Galen, were devout Catholics and remained loyal to the Church during the period of the Kulturkampf persecution.

Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering was baptized on the day of her birth and grew up in the luxurious Darfeld Castle in Rosendahl, Germany. Despite her aristocratic background, she had a tomboyish nature, often dressing like a princess but playing energetically like a tomboy. She received her early education from a governess and later attended the school of the Sacré-Coeur Sisters in Riedenburg, Bavaria, Germany, starting in April 1879. It was during her time at the school that she began feeling a calling to religious life.

Answering the call, Maria Droste Zu Vischering entered the novitiate of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd on November 21, 1888. She took the religious habit on January 10, 1889, assuming the name Maria vom Göttlichen Herzen (Mary of the Divine Heart). Her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Eucharist deepened throughout her life, which led her to receive visions and locutions from Jesus.

In 1896, Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering became the mother superior of the convent of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Porto, Portugal. It was during her time in Porto that she had a profound impact on promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Eucharist. She fervently worked to spread this devotion and influenced Pope Leo XIII to consecrate the world to the Sacred Heart.

On June 8, 1899, which coincided with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering passed away at the Convent of the Good Shepherd in Porto, Portugal, due to natural causes. Her body was found to be incorrupt and exposed in the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ermesinde, Portugal. Some of her relics are enshrined at the sanctuary of Christ the King in Almada, Portugal.

Recognizing her exceptional virtues and holiness, Pope Paul VI declared her venerable on February 13, 1964. Then, on November 1, 1975, Pope Paul VI beatified her, acknowledging her as Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering.

Blessed Maria Droste Zu Vischering's life serves as an inspiration to all, showcasing her dedication to God, devotion to the Sacred Heart, and her tireless efforts to spread the love of Christ. Her legacy lives on through the devotion she promoted and the impact she had on the hearts and souls of the faithful.