Blessed Marija Petkovic

Biography

Blessed Marija Petkovic, also known as Maria Petkovic, Marija of Jesus Crucified Petkovic, Marija of Jesus Crucified, and Mary of Jesus Crucified, was born on 10 December 1892, in Blato, Korcula, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Croatia. She was the sixth of eleven children born to Antun Petkovic-Kovac and Maria Marinovic, and she was raised in a wealthy family known for their charitable works toward the poor.

During her early years, Marija received her education in a public elementary school and subsequently attended the School of Domestic Science run by the Servants of Charity. It was during this time that Marija's strong calling to religious life became evident. In 1906, at the age of 13, she joined the Daughters of Mary, and a year later, she made a private vow of chastity, demonstrating her deep commitment to her faith.

From 1909 to 1919, Marija served as the President of the Daughters of Mercy, a group comprising 300 members. She was also a member of the Good Shepherd Association, which consisted of twenty young women dedicated to visiting the sick and assisting children in preparing for their First Communion. Tragedy struck Marija's family in 1911 when her father passed away, leaving her to contribute significantly to the upbringing of her younger siblings.

In 1915, Marija founded the Society of Catholic Mothers, conveying her dedication to nurturing and supporting the spiritual growth of mothers. Additionally, in 1917, she led a group of 200 Franciscan tertiaries and began working in a soup kitchen operated by the Servants of Charity. Her involvement in charitable activities gained her widespread recognition and admiration within her hometown of Blato, Croatia.

On 25 March 1919, together with her friend Marija Telenta, Marija Petkovic joined the Sisters of Charity. However, due to the unfortunate circumstances of the time, including the death of the superior and the expulsion of the Italian sisters, Marija and three other Croatian sisters remained to carry out the work in the area. Taking charge of the situation, Marija requested that the remaining Sisters abide by the Rule of the Third Order Franciscans.

Despite their small numbers, the Sisters managed to open a recovery center, a child-care facility, and an orphanage in 1919. Marija's leadership and dedication to the mission were undisputed, and on 25 August 1920, she wrote the first Constitutions for a new order. Consequently, on 4 October 1920, the Congregation of the Daughters of Mercy was founded, with Marija taking on the name Marija of the Crucified Jesus.

For over 30 years, Marija Petkovic served as the Superior General of the Congregation, making significant contributions to the growth and impact of the Daughters of Mercy. Under her guidance, the Congregation established 46 communities that served in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, seminaries, and parishes, further extending their reach and influence in society.

As Marija advanced in years, her health began to decline, and she experienced partial paralysis during the last three years of her life. However, her unwavering commitment to her vocation remained resolute. On 9 July 1966, in Rome, Italy, Marija Petkovic passed away due to natural causes, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith and compassion.

Recognizing Marija Petkovic's exceptional virtues and extraordinary life, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 5 July 2002. Finally, on 6 June 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Marija Petkovic, affirming her sanctity and offering her as a source of inspiration and intercession for the Catholic faithful.