SCHERER, MARIA THERESIA. - In the world Caterina S., co-foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Holy Cross of Ingenbohl, b. at Meggen (Lucerne) on 30 Oct. 1825, d. at Ingenbohl on 16 June 1888.
Having first worked as a nurse in the public hospital of Lucerne, she clearly recognized her religious vocation during a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln and, having learned of a new congregation begun by the Capuchin Fr. Teodosio Florentini, offered herself to him as a postulant. She would have wished to perfect herself in her studies; instead she was sent to found a small school in a most impoverished village. From there she went on to direct that of Ibar, more difficult and opposed by the adversaries of the faith; until in 1857 she was elected superior general and remained in this office until her death. She possessed admirable gifts as an organizer, combined with the most maternal kindness, lavishing herself in everything and for everyone, especially for the most abandoned. At her death the Congregation numbered 1,689 professed sisters and 422 houses. The cause of beatification was introduced on 11 Dec. 1949.