May 6, 1869
Marianne's younger years prepared her for her role as leader of her community. Her faith and knowing in her heart what was right led her to overcome fear and make difficult decisions. She was an ordinary woman who made extraordinary choices. Can we also look within our hearts, see past our fears and find purpose in serving others during this time?
Marianne is practicing distancing & isolation
Kate and Kristin and Marianne
Barbara to Sister to Mother to Saint
Marianne and todays pandemic
Today we are talking about Mother Marianne and the responsibility that Marianne took on when she received that title as head of the community of Sisters of St. Francis. To mothers everywhere "You are amazing".
We can all make a difference. Have hope.
As devoted stewards of Saint Marianne Cope's life and legacy our mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, interpret and share Saint Marianne's inspiring story as a Sister of St. Francis.
Two people greatly influenced by Marianne Cope discuss how her story of living through a pandemic and isolation provide strength in riding the wave of Covid 19. If you'd like to contact Kristin or Kate, learn more about Marianne, Kate's book or Empathy in Action, please check out the following links: saintmarianne.org, @MahoneyKateD on Facebook, EmpathyinActionCNY.org and @MisfitMiracleGirl on Facebook
A heart-to-heart with Marianne
Kristin Barrett-Anderson, Director of the Shrine & Museum, virtually shares reflections from exhibits during this time of isolation and social distancing
On June 3rd, Sister Jean and I sat down to talk about what's going on in the world today. The Franciscans can teach us a lot about the values we can embrace to assist us in navigating through our daily lives. Besides dignity and love and prayer, joy is a particular value that can make a huge difference. Thank you Sister Jean for joining in the conversation. Peace and all good.
The Sisters of St. Francis purchased a saloon and a dance hall to create the first St. Joseph's Hospital. It was a leap of faith based on the determination of a small community of nuns who saw a city in need. St. Joseph's Health continues today in Syracuse and the surrounding counties caring for every person with respect and dignity.
thinking about marianne these days...
video series
connection and correspondence
What does it mean to be a Saint?
Sister Leopoldina Burns' journals share many stories of crafts and adventures for the sisters and the girls in their care during the years in Kalaupapa. Kristin reads a particularly heartwarming excerpt about angels.
Staying Connected We can learn from these years in Marianne's life the importance of staying connected. We can find purpose in caring for our families, friends and neighbors during a time of isolation. We are not alone. Who can you reach out to today?
Finding joy, being grateful and having hope. Marianne and the sisters believe in whole mind, body and spirit healing. In addition to medical comfort, the patients they cared for in isolation were provided a community of opportunities to live a full life with education, crafts, music and celebration. We know from this history that joy can be found during the most fearful times, and that joy and gratefulness can nurture hope.
Marianne and Sisters: First 5 years in Hawaii
Marianne: Beauty & Dignity
Look for the Helpers
Addressing All that We are Feeling today
Kristin is with the Saint Marianne statue in the museum garden. Did you know that Marianne is one of only 12 American Saints? We are blessed.
From Marianne's desk in the Saint Marianne Cope Museum, Kristin shares Marianne's talent and skill in letter-writing including Easter greetings and advice for hard times.
overcoming fear and finding a purpose
From the second Gallery at the Museum
Sainthood, canonization and prayer. Why we pray to our Patron Saint of Hope and Healing.
Considering our healthcare workers, we are repeating history
Marianne set up procedures at Bishop Home in Molokai in 1888 that our healthcare providers are living today. It is a difficult task to bear and understandably there is stress and fear when they go home to their families. It is important that we understand the sacrifices they make in caring for us. The least we can do is work to keep ourselves and our families healthy.
It is inspiring to learn that the exiled patients in Kalaupapa raised money for people around the world who were struggling. Can we put ourselves in their shoes and think about overcoming our own stress and frustration?
Consideration of Others
I find so many similarities between our situation today and Marianne's story of healthcare and providing for those in isolation. Even though Kate Mahoney and I came to know Marianne under different circumstances we are both influenced by her every day. We recorded one of our chats in the hope that someone may find strength and hope during this pandemic.
crafts, sewing & stories
This is the reliquary built to house the remains of Marianne Cope. Learn the story of why she was moved to Syracuse from Kalaupapa then back to Honolulu.
Enjoying Spring and Little Comforts
Now is the time to think of others and to act on behalf of the helpers; the people who are serving us as we isolate. The Sisters are the ultimate helpers and while they are isolated right now, we can help them by staying safe and in our homes and washing our hands.
Spring is an ideal time for isolation. Everyday as we are witness to rebirth of the earth, we can find hope. Look for the little comforts and let them inspire you to find hope.
I am reaching out today to talk about all the things we are dealing with, hearing, seeing and possibly struggling to understand. I hope someone receives a word that helps or some inspiration to move forward. Peace to everyone listening.
reflections
video series
Kristin Barrett-Anderson, executive director of the Shrine & Museum, recorded a reflection on Marianne, her story and her legacy, so important in these days of hand-washing, self-care and isolation. With the museum closed to the public for the foreseeable future, Kristin will virtually share reflections from exhibits at the shrine and museum.