HÖSS, Marie Kreszentia, Blessed. — Born 20 Oct. 1682 at Kaufbeuren (diocese of Augsburg), died 5 Apr. 1744. In 1703 she entered the monastery of the Franciscan Tertiaries at Kaufbeuren, where, after overcoming many trials and supernatural illuminations, she attained to great virtue. She was mistress of novices from 1714 and superior from 1741. She was held in high esteem by distinguished persons, including the Empress Maria Theresa herself. Through an extensive correspondence she was able to exercise a wide apostolate and exert notable influence in her time. She was beatified on 7 Oct. 1900. Feast: 6 Apr.
Bibl.: I. Jeiler, *Leben der M. Kr. H. von K.*, Dülmen 1884 (9th ed. 1929; Italian trans., Quaracchi 1900); E. Schlund, *Aus dem Gebetsleben einer Heiligen*, in *Zeitschr. für Aszese u. Mystik*, 2 (1927), pp. 295-319; J. B. Gatz, *Mein Leben ist Lieben, mein Leben ist Leiden: Ein Lebensbild der sel. M.Kr.H. von K.*, Munich 1930.