St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad: Life, Canonization, and Legacy

ST. MARIA ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD

St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad was a Swedish-born Catholic nun who revitalized the Bridgettine Order in the 20th century. Born into a Lutheran family, she converted to Catholicism and devoted her life to spiritual renewal and charity. She was canonized in 2016 for her contributions to the Church and her commitment to faith, prayer, and service.

St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad was born on June 4, 1870, in the small town of Fästerä, Sweden, into a Lutheran family. Her early life was marked by a deep sense of spirituality, but she eventually found her calling in the Catholic faith. At the age of 23, she was profoundly influenced by the Catholic Church, which led her to convert to Catholicism. Her conversion was a pivotal moment, as it set the course for the rest of her life. She went on to study the Catholic faith in depth and was soon drawn to the spiritual legacy of St. Bridget of Sweden, the founder of the Bridgettine Order.

The Bridgettine Order had been in decline for several centuries, and Maria Elizabeth felt called to revive it. After receiving the necessary permissions from the Vatican, she began the process of re-establishing the order in its original form, focusing on the deep spirituality of its contemplative life, prayer, and commitment to the service of others. In 1928, Maria Elizabeth took the habit of a Bridgettine nun and assumed the name Sister Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad.

She worked tirelessly to re-establish the Bridgettine Order in its original spiritual and community-based form. She was dedicated to the order's charism, which emphasized prayer, devotion to the Virgin Mary, and the importance of serving others. In addition to her efforts in renewing the Bridgettine Order, she was also deeply concerned with ecumenism and the unification of Christians across denominational lines. She believed in fostering unity between Catholics and other Christian denominations, particularly between the Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church, from which she had come.

Her efforts were not confined to religious renewal alone. St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad was also known for her charitable works, including caring for the sick, the elderly, and the poor. Her sense of compassion was boundless, and she dedicated much of her time to social work, particularly in her adopted home of Rome, where she established a foundation for the care of the poor and marginalized. She also contributed to the creation of homes and schools for young girls, providing them with both spiritual and educational opportunities.

Maria Elizabeth's leadership of the Bridgettine Order was characterized by her wisdom, humility, and profound faith. She fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation among the sisters, and she ensured that the order's mission remained true to its roots, focusing on prayer, charity, and devotion to God. Her work in this area is widely recognized for its importance in preserving the legacy of the Bridgettine Order and ensuring its continued existence in the modern world.

Despite her many accomplishments, St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad remained humble and focused on her spiritual mission. She lived a life of simplicity and devotion, always placing the needs of others above her own. Her deep love for God and her tireless commitment to the renewal of the Bridgettine Order left a lasting impact on the Church and on the lives of countless individuals who were touched by her example of holiness.

St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad died on November 21, 1957, at the age of 87. She was buried in the Monastery of St. Bridget in Vadstena, Sweden, where she had spent much of her life. Her canonization process began after her death, and in 2016, she was officially declared a saint by Pope Francis. Her feast day is celebrated on November 21, the anniversary of her death, and she is remembered for her deep faith, her devotion to the Church, and her unwavering commitment to serving others.

Feast Day

21-11-2016

Birth Date

4-6-1870

Died Date

21-11-1957

Canonised Date

5-6-2016

St. Bridget's Monastery, Vadstena, Sweden

St. Maria Elizabeth, Servant of unity and compassion, Guide us in faith and love. Pray that we may follow Christ’s path With courage and humility. Amen.
ST. MARIA ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD

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ST. MARIA ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD

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