Bicentennial of Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer: A Legacy of Mercy and Mission

Ingenbohl, Switzerland, August 31, 2025 – The year 2025 marks the bicentennial birth anniversary of Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, co-founder of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, Ingenbohl. Born Anna Maria Catherine Scherer on 31 October 1825 in Meggen, Switzerland, she was affectionately called the “Sunny Child of Meggen.” The early death of her father and separation from her family shaped her into a woman of resilience, faith, and compassion.

A Vocation Rooted in Mercy

At 17, inspired by Fr. Theodosius Florentini, OFM Cap., she joined the newly founded Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1845. Their symbolic handshake sealed a lifelong mission of mercy. In 1856, she co-founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, Ingenbohl, and became its first Superior General, leading the congregation for 31 years. Despite debt, crises, and opposition, she built hospitals and homes for the poor and marginalised, remaining steadfast in her calling.

Faith Anchored in God’s Love

Blessed Maria Theresa believed deeply in God’s unconditional love. “Walking in the presence of God is a powerful means of regulating all our interior and exterior actions,” she often said. Known as the “mother of the poor,” she urged her sisters to recognise “the grain of gold hidden in every person’s heart” and to draw strength from God in adversity.

A Witness of the Crucified Christ

Humiliation and illness did not weaken her faith. United with Christ Crucified, she lived the maxim: “Totally given to the crucified, therefore, totally given to their neighbour—true witnesses of the love of Christ!” Her missionary zeal drove her to exhort the sisters: “We hurry at the call of human misery anywhere and everywhere.”

A Lasting Legacy

On 16 June 1888, she entered eternal life with the words “Heaven, Heaven!” on her lips. Pope John Paul II beatified her on 29 October 1995. Today, her legacy lives on through 2,560 Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in 295 communities across five continents. In India alone, 1,084 sisters continue her mission in education, healthcare, and social service.

A Bicentennial Call

As the congregation celebrates her 200th birth anniversary, the sisters are invited to rekindle their passion for mission. This milestone calls for “creative fidelity” to her charism—embodying compassionate love for the underprivileged and sharing deeply in the Paschal Mystery of Christ.

By Sr. Tessy Churanadu SCSC

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