Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger was born in June 20 1797 in Stadtamhof, Bavaria, Germany and died in May 9 1879 at the age of 81 in München, Bavaria, Germany. We celebrate her feast day on May 9 every year in the Catholic Church.
|
The Memorial of Bl. Karolina Gerhardinger – Feast Day |
|
Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger Biography |
|
|
Date of Birth |
June 20 1797 |
|
Country of Birth |
Stadtamhof, Bavaria, Germany |
|
Profession |
Nun |
|
Place of Work |
Germany |
|
Date of Death |
May 9 1879 |
|
Place of Death |
München, Bavaria, Germany |
|
Feast Day |
|
|
Beatification |
Beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 17 1985 |
|
Patron Saint of |
Educators |
Blessed’s Biography
Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger was born Caroline Gerhardinger to a working-class family in Bavaria. Encouraged by her parish priest to become a teacher, she believed strongly that a child’s need for love, safety, and food were as important as formal education.
When Karolina was fifteen, she was already a school teacher for girls near Regensburg. She was a very talented teacher who guided and embraced the children who loved her.
She recognized God’s calling form a religious center that gave poor an education. On November 16, 1835, Caroline professed her religious vows and took the name, Mary Theresa of Jesus. Her love for God, nourished and strengthened by her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, ignited the ardent desire of her life: to know God and do God’s will. God’s cause was the only concern of her heart. Blessed Theresa anchored her community in poverty and dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Karolina’s life helped women and children grow to their greatest potential. She established the School Sisters of Notre Dame and brought the order and the mission of educating girls to America, following the wave of German immigration. Within a year, they established a presence in seven cities.
Death
She died on May 9, 1879, in München, Bavaria, Germany of natural causes. Karolina’s congregation had 2500 students. The girls received formal education and those in the factories were provided with homes and night schools where they could receive a basic education.
Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger Quote
“Longing for the oneness of all in God, grounded the congregation in Eucharist, anchored it in poverty, and dedicated it to Mary. A woman of faith, ever seeking God’s will, she struggled for unity in our international community and responded to urgent needs, preferring the poor and educating with a world vision. In these gifts of the Spirit to our foundress, Mother Theresa, we recognize the evolving charism of our congregation.”
Powered By SEO Experts
Follow @ReadingCatholic
