Homily: Feast of St. Marianne Cope

Feast of St. Marianne Cope (Mk 3:31-35) “First Among Equals”

St. Marianne Cope was born in Germany in 1838 and immigrated to the United States with her family to the United States a few years later. There were ten children in the family, and they were very poor. St. Marianne learned about self-sacrifice at a young age. She worked in a factory to help support her family until 1862.

After this she entered the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis of Syracuse New York. She was a teacher and then she began to work in hospitals. She helped found St. Joseph Hospital in Syracuse. She was elected superior several times and eventually she was elected provincial of the order.

In 1881 a request came from Hawaii for sisters to help with the care of lepers. More than 50 communities in the United States and Canada were asked. When the request was put to the sisters in Syracuse 35 of them volunteered. Six were selected. Sister Marianne, even though she was the superior, decided to lead the band of sisters in Hawaii. She gave up her place of privilege to serve those in most need.

When the sisters arrived, they immediately began setting up hospitals to care for the lepers. When a request came from St. Damian of Molokai to help him with his ministry at the leper colony there St. Marianne volunteered to go. Damian had contracted the disease and St. Marianne nursed him through the final stages of the disease.

She served for over 30 years, but she never contracted the disease. She introduced pride, cleanliness and even fun to the leper colony, giving the place a sense of hope.

Sr. Marianne teaches us lessons about leadership. She felt that she had to be the one to tackle difficult ministries first. Her sisters loved her for this and would follow her anywhere, even halfway across the world to work with lepers.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do you know a servant leader? Who would that be?

2.   How do most leaders behave? What do I think about that?

 Dear Parishioners,

             This Saturday there will be a retreat for Confirmation students at our parish. Being a teen in our society is full of temptations. It is important to pay attention to the message of Jesus. I would ask you to pray for all those who will be working with our students. 

            Cursillo is coming. I will be on the men’s team in February. If you are a male and have never made Cursillo I would encourage you to do so. This is a wonderful spiritual experience. Look for information in our bulletin and online. You can call me as well and I will help you enroll.

            May our Lady Pray for us today.

            Fr. Mark