Saint Marianne Cope

Biography

Saint Marianne Cope, also known as Barbara Cope, Barbara Koob, Maria Anna Barbara Cope, Mother Marianne, and Sister Marianne, was born on January 23, 1838, in Heppenheim, Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. She was born into a poor working-class family and was one of eight children. In 1840, her parents emigrated to the United States, and Marianne grew up in the Utica, New York area. Due to her family's financial circumstances, Marianne left school after the eighth grade and started working in a factory to support her younger siblings. However, her desire for a higher calling led her to join the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse, New York, in 1862. She took the name Sister Marianne and made her vows in 1863. As a member of the Sisters of Saint Francis, Marianne served as a teacher and later became the Superior of a convent. In 1870, she took on the role of supervisor at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse. This hospital was unique for the time as it cared for the sick regardless of their race or religion. Sister Marianne's dedication and leadership skills were recognized, and she became a member of the council that governed her community. In 1877, she was appointed as the Provincial Superior of her community. However, Sister Marianne's most significant contribution came when she was sent to Honolulu, Hawaii, in November 1883, along with six other sister Franciscans. Their mission was to care for the lepers on the island. Initially, Sister Marianne had intended to stay for only a few weeks, help establish the necessary facilities, and then return to Syracuse. However, she dedicated herself to the cause and remained in Hawaii for the rest of her life. Sister Marianne and her companions worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions and care of the lepers. They completely revamped the facilities and provided better housing and improved medical care. In 1885, Sister Marianne founded a home for the daughters of the patients living in the colony. The following year, in November 1888, Sister Marianne and two other sisters founded a home and school for girls on the island of Molokai. Furthermore, in 1895, she took over the boy's home that had been established by Blessed Damien de Veuster. Despite her devoted work, Sister Marianne's health began to decline. She suffered from chronic kidney disease and eventually became confined to a wheelchair. Despite her physical limitations, she continued to inspire and care for those around her until her death. Sister Marianne Cope passed away on August 9, 1918, at Kalaupapa, Maui County, Hawaii, following a heart attack. In recognition of her remarkable life, she was venerated on April 19, 2004, by Pope John Paul II, who declared her heroic virtues. She was beatified on May 14, 2005, by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification recognition was celebrated by Cardinal Saraiva Martins at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. The canonization of Saint Marianne Cope took place on October 21, 2012, also performed by Pope Benedict XVI. Her relics are housed and conserved at the Saint Marianne Cope Shrine and Museum in Syracuse, New York. There are also display relics in each of the five provinces of the Sisters of Saint Francis, as well as in Rome, Italy and in various locations in Syracuse, New York, and Honolulu, Hawaii. Although Saint Marianne Cope does not have an official patronage, she serves as an inspiration to many for her selfless dedication to caring for the sick and marginalized. Her life exemplifies the values of compassion, service, and the relentless pursuit of justice and equality.