Blessed Maria Euthymia Üffing

Biography

Blessed Maria Euthymia √úffing, also known as Emma Uffing or Maria Eutimia, was born on 8 April 1914 in Halverde, Germany as Emma Uffing. She was one of eleven children born to August √úffing and Maria Schmidt, and grew up in a devout Catholic family in a small town. Unfortunately, at the age of 18 months, Emma developed a form of rickets that severely affected her growth and overall health for the rest of her life.

From a young age, Emma felt a strong calling to religious life. She worked on her parents' farm during her childhood, but by her early teens, she started to pursue a religious vocation. In May 1933, she completed her studies in housekeeping management as an apprentice at the hospital in Hopsten, Germany.

On 23 July 1933, Emma entered the Sisters of the Congregation of Compassion, also known as the Klemensschwestern. She received the religious name Euthymia and made her simple vows on 11 October 1936. Later, on 15 September 1940, she made her final profession, committing herself fully to a life of service to others and to God.

Sister Euthymia was assigned to work at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Dinslaken, Germany in October 1936. Her dedication and compassion for the sick and suffering quickly became evident. She graduated with distinction from the nursing program on 3 September 1939, just before World War II broke out.

During the war, Sister Euthymia fearlessly carried out her duties as a nurse, even amidst the chaos and dangers of the conflict. In 1943, she was assigned to care for prisoners of war and foreign workers who suffered from infectious diseases. She selflessly provided both physical and spiritual care to these individuals, ensuring that they received the necessary medical attention and sacraments.

After the war, Sister Euthymia's exceptional abilities were recognized, and she was entrusted with overseeing the large laundry rooms of the Dinslaken hospital, which also served as her order's motherhouse. Additionally, she took on the responsibility of supervising the Saint Raphael Clinic in Münster, Germany. Despite her busy schedule, she always made time for prayer and devotion, frequently spending moments before the Eucharist in deep contemplation.

Tragically, Sister Euthymia's life was cut short by cancer. On the morning of 9 September 1955, at the age of 41, she passed away in Münster, Germany. However, her legacy of compassionate service and unwavering faith lived on.

Recognizing the holiness and heroic virtues of Sister Euthymia, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 1 September 1988. Then, on 7 October 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified her, acknowledging her as a model of Christian virtue and devotion. Today, her feast day is celebrated on 9 September.

Blessed Maria Euthymia √úffing, through her life of selfless dedication to caring for the sick and her fervent prayer life, has become an inspiration for all who strive to emulate her virtues of compassion, faith, and love.