Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger

Biography

Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger, also known as Caroline Gerhardinger, Maria Teresa Gerhardinger, Maria Theresia of Jesus, or Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger, was born on June 20, 1797, in Stadtamhof, Bavaria, Germany. She came from a humble working-class family and received her education from the Augustinian canonesses. However, in 1809, due to a decree by the Bavarian government, religious orders, including the Augustinian canonesses, were closed.

Caroline, undeterred by the closure of the religious orders, felt a deep calling to dedicate her life to God and Christian education. Consequently, she made the decision to establish a new religious order centered on these principles. In 1828, following negotiations with the Vatican, the Bavarian government granted concessions, allowing religious communities to reopen. Caroline, along with other dedicated sisters, moved into a refurbished convent and founded the order that would later become known as the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Upon entering religious life, Caroline took the name Theresa, but soon became known as Theresa of Jesus due to her profound devotion to the True Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The Vatican recognized and approved the sister's Rule and Constitutions on January 23, 1854, paving the way for the rapid growth and expansion of the Order.

Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger dedicated the remainder of her life to the work of the religious order she had founded. She tirelessly devoted herself to God and Christian education, with a particular emphasis on educating young women. Her commitment to promoting education and her strong belief in the transformative power of knowledge played a significant role in the empowerment and upliftment of women in society.

Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger passed away on May 9, 1879, in München, Bavaria, Germany, from natural causes. Her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in the field of education earned her recognition as a remarkable woman of faith. On November 17, 1985, Pope John Paul II beatified her, acknowledging her exemplary life and her significant contributions to the Church and the advancement of education.

Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger's feast day is celebrated on May 9th, honoring her life and legacy as a model of faith, education, and dedication. Her work continues today through the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the educational institutions they operate worldwide. Blessed Karolina Gerhardinger's life serves as an inspiration for all those devoted to God's work and the power of education in transforming society.