Saint Maria Crescentia Höss

Biography

Saint Maria Crescentia Höss, also known as Mary Crescentia Hoss, was born on October 20, 1682, in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany. She was the seventh of eight children born to Matthias Höss and Lucia Hoermann. From a young age, Maria Crescentia displayed a deep devotion to her Catholic faith. In 1703, at the age of twenty-one, Maria Crescentia became a Franciscan tertiary nun. At the request of the Protestant mayor of Kaufbeuren, she was admitted to the convent in her hometown. Unfortunately, upon entering the convent, she was met with mistreatment from her fellow sisters due to her lack of a dowry. However, Maria Crescentia's holiness and steadfast faith shone through, eventually winning over her sisters and overcoming their initial hostility. Maria Crescentia served as a porter in the convent and later became the novice-mistress from 1726 to 1741. Despite her reluctance, she was appointed as the superior of her house in 1741 and held this position until her death. Throughout her life, Maria Crescentia exhibited a deep commitment to the spiritual formation and well-being of her sisters. She dedicated herself to guiding and nurturing the novices under her care, helping them grow in their religious vocation. Her humility and gentle leadership style left a lasting impact on the community. Maria Crescentia's sanctity and heroic virtues were recognized by Pope Pius VII, who declared her venerable on August 2, 1801. Later, on October 7, 1900, Pope Leo XIII beatified her, acknowledging her as Blessed Maria Crescentia Höss. Finally, on November 25, 2001, Maria Crescentia was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II. Her incredible journey of faith, dedication to God, and tireless service to her community made her an inspiration and role model for Catholics worldwide. Saint Maria Crescentia Höss's feast day is celebrated on April 5, which is the date of her death. She passed away on Easter, April 5, 1744, in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany, due to natural causes. She was interred in the chapel of her monastery, where her memory lives on and continues to inspire believers. While Saint Maria Crescentia Höss does not have a specific patronage assigned to her, her life serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of holiness, humility, and perseverance in the face of adversity.