Marianne Cope

Mother Marianne Cope in her youth

Marianne Cope (January 23, 1838 – August 9, 1918), also known as Saint Marianne of Molokaʻi, was a German-born American nun known for her charitable works and virtuous life. Born in Heppenheim, in the Grand Duchy of Hesse, her family emigrated to the United States when she was a child. She entered religious life in the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York. Mother Marianne was a key figure in the development of the healthcare system in the Central New York area, but she is most celebrated for her devoted service to the lepers of Hawaii.

Early Life

Marianne Cope was born Maria Anna Barbara Koob, later changing her surname to Cope following her family's emigration to the United States in 1840. The family settled in Utica, New York. From a young age, Marianne showed a deep commitment to her faith and a desire to help others, leading her to join the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York, in 1862.

Career

After joining the Sisters of St. Francis, Marianne Cope began a career in healthcare and education. She played a significant role in the administration of her congregation's hospitals and schools in New York State. Her leadership skills were evident as she became the superior of the St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, where she implemented high standards of care and hygiene, significantly ahead of her time.

Mission in Hawaii

In 1883, Marianne Cope received a plea for help from the Kingdom of Hawaii to care for leprosy sufferers. Despite the risks, she and six other sisters volunteered to go to Hawaii to provide care. They arrived in Honolulu and soon took over the management of the Kakaako Branch Hospital, which served as a receiving station for leprosy patients gathered from all over the islands. Her work eventually led her to the island of Molokaʻi, where she devoted the rest of her life to the care of those suffering from leprosy, now known as Hansen's disease.

Legacy and Canonization

Mother Marianne Cope was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on May 14, 2005, and canonized on October 21, 2012, by the same pope. Her canonization recognized her unwavering commitment to patients, regardless of the disease, and her pioneering role in establishing a sustainable healthcare system in Hawaii. She is the patron saint of outcasts, lepers, and those with HIV/AIDS.

See Also

• Francis of Assisi
• Hansen's disease
• Healthcare in Hawaii