Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Celebrate Bicentennial Birth Anniversary of Bl. Maria Theresia Scherer

Bangalore, Nov 07, 2025: Celebrating the bicentennial birth anniversary of Blessed Maria Theresia Scherer, co-foundress of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross (SCSC), 32 communities across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Goa observed a year-long jubilee that concluded with a solemn thanksgiving ceremony in Kothanur, Bengaluru. The commemorative year began on 31 October 2024, marking her 200th birth anniversary.

Born in 1825 in Switzerland, Katherine Scherer joined the newly founded Congregation at the age of 21. Though her early years in the convent were marked by struggle and discernment and her deep faith led her to embrace a life of total service. Guided by Fr. Theodosius Florentini, she co-founded the congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, to alleviate the spiritual and material suffering. With great trust in God, she dedicated herself to the service of the poor and the sick. Her life continues to call the sisters to live simply, love selflessly, and trust deeply in God’s providence.

The celebrations aimed at honouring the exemplary life and enduring legacy of Bl. Maria Theresia, who dedicated her life to serving the suffering humanity with unwavering faith and compassion. Today, the congregation has branched out across the world, in four continents, working in 18 countries. At present about 2,540 sisters respond to the need of the time by being engaged in socio- pastoral, educational, medical and other front-line ministries.

Throughout the jubilee year, the South Province, Bangalore organised various spiritual sessions on the foundress’s spirituality, regional gatherings, and quiz competitions for sisters and students. As part of the jubilee action plan, the “Sunny Child of Meggen” project was launched to support underprivileged girls pursuing professional education.

The closing celebration, which also marked the golden jubilee of the religious profession of five sisters — Sr. Ancy Mancherikalam, Sr. Flora Botelho, Sr. Jessy Pullattu, Sr. Lucy K, and Sr. Rani Arimpoor — was presided over by Most Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore.

During the ceremony, sisters from 32 communities brought soil from their respective regions, which was placed in a pot with a fruit sapling, symbolising unity in mission. A candle from the Mother House in Switzerland was carried in procession by Sr. Archana Padikara, Provincial Superior, representing the living presence of Bl. Maria Theresia.

A new congregational book, 'Driven by the Needs of the Times – Maria Theresia Scherer – Theodosius Florentini: Letters and Writings', was released by Bishop Susainathan and presented to Sr. Sheeja Kolacherril, General Councillor. The event concluded with the planting of a jubilee memorial sapling at the Kothanur campus, marking a year of gratitude, renewal, and deeper commitment to the congregation’s founding spirit.

By Catholic Connect Reporter