Blessed Mary Frances Schervier

Biography

Blessed Mary Frances Schervier, also known as Franziska Schervier, was born on January 3, 1819, in Aachen, Germany. She was the daughter of Johann Heinrich Schervier, a wealthy needle-factory owner and vice-mayor of Aachen, and Maria Louise Migeon. Blessed Mary Frances had a godfather in Emperor Francis I of Austria, which reflected her family's prestigious connections.

Tragically, Blessed Mary Frances lost her mother and two older sisters to tuberculosis when she was only 16 years old. Despite this immense sorrow, she bravely took up the responsibility of running her father's household. It was during this time that she began to develop a reputation for her boundless generosity towards the poor and downtrodden.

In 1844, Blessed Mary Frances became a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, embracing the values of St. Francis of Assisi. Determined to devote her life fully to serving the needy, she, along with four companions, established a religious community known as the Sisters of the Poor of Saint Francis in 1845. This community aimed to care for the poor and alleviate their suffering.

The bishop of Aachen approved the Sisters of the Poor of Saint Francis on July 2, 1851, recognizing the importance of their charitable work. Embarking on a mission to expand their reach, the Sisters established their first community in the United States in 1858. It was here that Blessed Mother Frances made a significant impact during the Civil War, visiting her sisters to provide healing and comfort to wounded soldiers in their care. Impressed by their dedication, she returned to the United States in 1868 to support Philip Hoever in establishing the Brothers of the Poor of Saint Francis and to oversee the foundation of several hospitals.

Throughout her life, Blessed Mary Frances faced her own health challenges, particularly suffering from asthma. However, her unwavering faith led her to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, in 1870, seeking healing at the renowned healing waters. To her immense joy and gratitude, she was miraculously cured of her asthma during this pilgrimage.

Blessed Mary Frances Schervier passed away on December 14, 1876, in Aachen, Germany, due to natural causes. At the time of her death, the Sisters of the Poor of Saint Francis had grown to approximately 2,500 members worldwide. This community continues to flourish, operating hospitals and homes for the aged as a testament to their founder's enduring spirit of compassion.

Recognizing her virtuous life and the impact of her charitable work, Pope Paul VI proclaimed her venerable on January 30, 1969, acknowledging her heroic virtues. Later, on April 28, 1974, Pope Paul VI beatified Blessed Mary Frances Schervier in Rome, Italy, officially recognizing her as a woman of remarkable holiness and an inspiration to all. Her feast day is celebrated on December 14th each year, honoring her profound devotion to the care of the poor and her unwavering faith in God.