Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

St. Marianne Cope, known for her dedication to serving the vulnerable, was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. This year marks the 12th anniversary of her canonization, which took place during the Synod on New Evangelization. The event drew over 80,000 pilgrims to Rome, including nearly 300 from Hawaii, to honor seven new saints recognized for their love of God through action.

Born in Germany and emigrating to the United States as a child, St. Marianne overcame family hardships and joined the Sisters of St. Francis at age 24. Her work spanned various roles including teacher, nurse, and hospital administrator. At age 45, she answered a call from Hawaii's King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani to care for Hansen’s disease patients.

Mother Marianne led six sisters from New York to Honolulu in November 1883 and soon took charge of the Kakaʻako Branch Hospital for leprosy patients. She also established Maui’s first general hospital and co-founded an orphan home for girls. Her efforts extended beyond healthcare; she also managed schools open to all people regardless of race or creed.

In 1888, Mother Marianne moved with her sisters to Kalaupapa to aid those exiled due to leprosy. They built homes and provided education and healthcare while fostering a sense of belonging among patients. She promised that none of her sisters would contract leprosy—a promise kept over generations.

Her legacy continues through institutions like St. Francis School on Oahu and hospitals in Hawaii run by the Sisters of St. Francis. A statue at Kewalo Basin symbolizes her enduring impact on communities across Hawaii.