OUR HISTORY
Catherine Scherer
by S. Louise-Henri Kolly, Superior General
Catherine Scherer was born at Meggen, Canton Luzern, Switzerland, on the 31st of October 1825. Her parents were simple farmers. From early childhood she was prepared for her future mission through joyful and painful events. Urged by Christ’s love to serve the young, the sick and the poor, she joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross at the age of 19 years.
The young community had just been founded by Fr. Theodosius Florentini OFM Capuchin, and she was one of its first five members. In June 1845 she received the novices’ dress from the hands of the founder himself and on the 27th of October of the same year she took her first vows as Sr. M. Theresa. Then she began her activity as a teacher. In 1852 the Founder called her to Chur where he entrusted her with the administration of his first hospital and with the direction of the novitiate.
In 1857 she was elected Mother General at Ingenbohl, by then the motherhouse of the newly formed Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. She walked her way of the cross with fortitude and trust in God. To her Sisters she was a mother and guide, and to the poor and afflicted a compassionate helper.
After the Founder’s sudden death it was she who saved the endangered Institute by her undaunted courage and prudent action. She died on the 16th of June 1888 at Ingenbohl after a painful illness which she bore with great patience. Ever since then countless people, inspired by her saintly life, have called upon her with great trust and have experienced encouragement and help in answer to their prayers. Mother Mary Theresa Scherer was beatified on the 29th of October 1995.
Every month on the 16th, hundreds of pilgrims come to Ingenbohl for the special Eucharist and to visit Mother Theresa’s grave.
