Saint Marianne Cope

"Saint Marianne Cope was born on 23rd January 1838, in West Germany, to Peter Koob and Barbara Witzenbacher. Marianne was baptized Maria Anna Barbara Koob, later anglicizing her last name to Cope. After her birth, the family moved to the United States. She felt called to religious life at an early age, but her vocation was delayed for nine years because of family obligations. As the eldest child at home, she worked in a factory after completing eighth grade to support her family when her father became ill. Finally, in 1862, at age 24, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York. On 19th November 1862, she received the religious habit and the name Sr. Marianne. As a member of the governing councils of her Religious Community in the 1860s, she was instrumental in establishing two of the first hospitals in the central New York area. 

Although Mother Marianne was often criticized for accepting outcast patients such as alcoholics for treatment, she became renowned and appreciated for her kindness, wisdom, and down-to-earth practicality. On 22nd October 1883, Mother Marianne and six other sisters left for Hawaii, where they took charge of the Kaka'ako Branch Hospital on Oahu. The hospital served as a receiving station for patients with Hansen's disease gathered from all over the islands. 

St. Marianne met St. Damien, the Apostle to Lepers, for the first time in January 1884, when he was in good health. Two years later, in 1886, after he had been diagnosed with Hansen's disease, Mother Marianne gave hospitality to the outcast priest upon hearing that his illness made him an unwelcome visitor to Church and Government leaders in Honolulu. Mother Marianne's never-failing optimism, serenity, and trust in God inspired hope in those around her and eased the Sisters' fear of catching leprosy. Mother Marianne died in Hawaii on 9th August 1918 of natural causes and was buried on the grounds of Bishop's House.

O God, who called us to serve Your Son in the least of our brothers and sisters, grant, we pray, that by the example and intercession of Saint Marianne Cope, we may burn with love for You and those who suffer."

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.