Mother Marianne Cope was canonized in Vatican City in Rome on Oct. 21. Continuing the legacy of St. Damien, she bolsters Hawaii’s recognition in the Catholic community.

Marianne Cope was born in Heppenheim, Germany, in 1838 and migrated to the United States with her family a year later. She worked in a factory to support her young siblings until they were able to maintain their own lives. With a desire to follow her devotion to God, she joined the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse, New York, at age 24.

Cope later became an administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital in New York, managing the elite assistance provided to its patients. She always, however, cared foremost for outcast patients who were often avoided by nurses. This is what eventually led her to Kalaupapa, Molokai.

With a devotion to St. Francis of Assisi who cared for the sick and poor, Cope believed it was God’s will for her to answer the call in Hawaii. Caring for patients with Hansen’s Disease, then known as leprosy, she joined Father Damien in his mission. When Damien passed away from leprosy, she became his successor.

Setting up Malulani Hospital, the first general hospital on Maui, and bringing sanitation programs to patients are among her many accomplishments.

Shortly after her death in 1918, the Sisters of Saint Francis began collecting evidence in order for her works to be recognized by the Vatican. Declared heroically virtuous, Venerable, beatified and finally canonized, Marianne Cope officially was declared a saint on that day in October.

Theology chair, Sr. Irene Barboza, said, “St. Marianne Cope is a great model of dedication to the care of others. Hawaii is small and it is incredible how we are able to produce two saints with the same mission.”

Campus Minister, Sr. Katherine Francis Miller, said, “It’s extraordinary how some people St. Marianne worked with were able to experience her canonization. Her life-saving intervention in the lives of two near-death patients was truly remarkable and incredible.”

Students also recognize St. Marianne’s special place in the church.

Junior Tiare Sadarananda said, “When I got confirmed, I chose Marianne to be my saint name. My aunty was born in Kalaupapa which led me to learning about Mother Marianne and what she did there. Mother Marianne’s canonization was especially significant because she holds such a special place in my heart.”