SCHERER, MARIA THERESIA. — Born Caterina S., co-foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Holy Cross of Ingenbohl; b. at Meggen (Lucerne) 30 Oct. 1825; d. at Ingenbohl 16 June 1888.
Having first worked as a nurse in the public hospital of Lucerne, she clearly discerned her religious vocation during a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln. Upon learning of a new congregation begun by the Capuchin Fr. Teodosio Florentini, she offered herself as a postulant. Though she had wished to pursue further studies, she was instead sent to found a small school in a very poor village. From there she went on to preside over the school at Baar, which was beset by opponents of the faith; finally in 1857 she was elected superior general and remained in that office until her death. She possessed remarkable gifts of organization, combined with the most maternal kindness, which she lavished on everyone, especially the most abandoned. At her death the Congregation numbered 1,689 professed sisters and 422 houses. Her cause of beatification was introduced on 11 Dec. 1949.