STREITEL, MARIA FRANZISKA. — Foundress of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, born in Mellrichstadt (diocese of Würzburg) on 24 November 1844, died in Castro S. Elia (diocese of Nepi) on 6 March 1911.
Piously educated and assiduous in works of devotion, at the age of 21 she entered the Sisters of the Third Order of S. Francesco, among whom she held various offices and positions from 1866 to 1882. However, desiring a more austere life, she entered the Carmelites, but was unable to remain there. After a few months she was called to Rome by Fr. Giovanni Jordan, founder of the Society of the Divine Saviour, and under his guidance founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, approved by the cardinal vicar in 1885, with the purpose of assisting the sick in hospitals and private homes, and of maintaining orphanages, schools, kindergartens, and hospices. In 1886 she was appointed superior general, remaining in this office for 10 years, when she was deposed because of false accusations. She continued to live and work for another 15 years, first in Rome and then in Castro S. Elia, in the greatest humility, wholly devoted to prayer, penance, and the education of children. Her death revealed her remarkable sanctity, also through the extraordinary graces bestowed on those who invoked her; consequently, the cause of her beatification was introduced on 13 June 1947.