ST. MARIA KATHARINA KASPER – FOUNDRESS OF THE POOR HANDMAIDS OF JESUS CHRIST (PHJC)

The life of St. Maria Katharina Kasper explains clearly the saying widely attributed to Frederick R. Barnard - “My life: a picture worth a thousand words”. The real benefit of a picture is what it stirs up within the beholder and the life of St. Katharina, from the 19^th century till this present century, has been a light shining on others; showing the way to our heavenly Father. 

Saint Katharina Kasper lived in Germany, in the Westerwald area, from 1820 to 1898. She was born on the 26^th of May 1820 in Dernbach, Germany. Her parents; Henry and Catherine Kasper, were poor peasant farmers who lived a deep religious life. Katharina was a sickly child and because of this, missed school often but the few times she was able to go to school, she learned so quickly. She loved reading and she especially liked the ‘Bible’ and ‘The Imitation of Christ’ by Thomas a Kempis. God endowed her with Divine wisdom and insights. After the death of her father, life became very difficult for her family, that she had to start working in order to take care for her mother. The difficulties in her family did not hinder her from seeing to the needs of other poor people around her. 

At a very young age, Katharina began helping the poor, nursing the sick, and these at the time was so remarkable that other young women were attracted to her way of life and so, offered to join her. It was from this small beginning that the Congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ came into existence. Katharina was only 25 years at the time. The rule of the pious society (as it was called at the time), was written by Katharina in 1845. The first sentence of the rule reads; “The purpose of our community is to spread virtue by example, instruction, and prayer". This sentence is still very valid for the Poor Handmaids today.

This humble beginning was possible because she was attentive and open to the Holy Spirit. On August 15, 1851, she pronounced public vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, alongside four other young women. This marked the foundation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Congregation. From then on, she was able to dedicate more time for the works of charity. Katharina responded with courage to the will of God. Her deep union with God was the source of her virtuous life. Mary, the first handmaid was her model and she in turn, lived her life fully for others, as she dedicated her whole life in service of the poor.

Katharina Kasper having lived a fulfilled religious life, died on 2^nd of February, 1898 and because of her rare virtues experienced by the society and her works of love, she was beatified on the 16^th of April, 1978 by Pope Paul VI. Forty years later, on the 14^th of October 2018, she was canonized by Pope Francis. The church recognizes her as model for all the faithful. To the glory of God, her mission goes on even till today. Her feast is celebrated every 2^nd of February.

“Words perhaps may move people, but example moves them to greater efforts” (St. Katharina).

BY SR. MARY-AGNES ANIDI, PHJC.