A woman of great valor, our “beloved mother of outcasts,” spent her early years in central New York where she served as a leader in the field of health care, education and of her own congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis. Responding to a call to care for the poor sick on the then Sandwich Islands, she devoted 35 years to caring for those afflicted with Hansen’s disease on Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii. On Oct. 21, 2012 Mother Marianne was canonized a saint. She is the first Franciscan woman from North America to be canonized, and only the 11th American saint.
Prayer to St. Marianne
Lord Jesus, you who gave us your commandment of love of God and neighbor, and identified yourself in a special way with the most needy of your people, hear our prayer. Faithful to your teaching, St. Marianne Cope loved and served her neighbor, especially the most desolate outcast, giving herself generously and heroically for those afflicted by leprosy. She alleviated their physical and spiritual sufferings, thus helping them to accept their afflictions with patience. Her care and concern for others manifested the great love you have for us. Through her merits and intercession, grant us the favor which we confidently ask of you so that the people of God, following the inspiration of her life and apostolate, may practice charity towards all according to your word and example. Amen.
Through the intercession of St. Marianne Cope, I ask for the grace of (mention your request).
With ecclesiastical approval
Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, Bishop of Syracuse, N.Y. • 2012
