Maria Crescentia Höss
Maria Crescentia Höss was a religious sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis who lived in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Her life exemplifies perseverance, as she overcame initial rejection and hardship within her convent to eventually become its mother superior. She is remembered for her spiritual guidance and emphasis on inner virtue over temporal wealth.
- Century
- 18th century
- Country Or Region
- Germany
Key Facts
- ›Maria Crescentia Höss was born Anna Höss on October 20, 1682, in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany.
- ›She was the sixth of eight children born to Matthias Höss and Lucia Hoermann.
- ›Despite initial rejection due to her family's poverty, she was admitted to the Tertiary Franciscans convent in Kaufbeuren in 1703.
- ›She endured a period of harsh treatment from the superior and some older sisters before being accepted more fully into the community.
- ›In 1741, she was elected mother superior and led a renewal of the community's spiritual life until her death on April 5, 1744.
- ›She was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1900 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Anna Höss
About Maria Crescentia Höss
Maria Crescentia Höss (born Anna Höss, 1682–1744) was a German religious sister belonging to the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. Her life story is one of overcoming adversity and demonstrating profound spiritual leadership.
Early Life and Admission to the Convent
Born in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, to Matthias Höss and Lucia Hoermann, Anna was the sixth of eight children. Despite her family's financial struggles, she harbored a deep desire to join the local convent of the Tertiary Franciscans. Initially, her admission was barred due to her family's inability to provide the customary dowry. However, in 1703, a significant intervention by the Protestant mayor of Kaufbeuren, who purchased and donated a tavern disturbing the convent's peace, led to her acceptance. This act, while allowing her entry, initially caused resentment from the mother superior, who viewed her as a burden.
Life in the Monastery and Rise to Leadership
Upon entering the convent and taking the name Maria Crescentia, she experienced a period of harsh treatment and persecution from the superior and some older sisters. She was assigned menial tasks and had her living quarters taken away. Despite these hardships, Crescentia was eventually allowed to profess her vows. Her situation improved significantly in 1707 with the election of a more sympathetic superior. She was entrusted with important roles, including portress and later mistress of novices. During this time, she became a prolific letter writer, offering advice and comfort to many.
Mother Superior and Spiritual Renewal
Even while suffering from poor health, including paralysis, Maria Crescentia was elected mother superior in 1741. She served in this capacity until her death on April 5, 1744, Easter Sunday. In her leadership, she spearheaded a renewal within the community, emphasizing unwavering trust in Divine Providence, a spirit of service, love of silence, and devotion to Jesus, the Blessed Sacrament, and the Blessed Mother. She also stressed the importance of virtue over temporal wealth for the community.
Veneration and Legacy
The process for her canonization began in 1775 but was delayed by historical events, including the secularization of monasteries and anti-Catholic policies. Ultimately, Maria Crescentia Höss was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1900 and canonized by Pope John Paul II on November 25, 2001. Her monastery was subsequently renamed St. Crescentia Monastery in her honor, preserving her memory and inspiring devotion.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Maria Crescentia Höss born and where?
Maria Crescentia Höss, born Anna Höss, was born on October 20, 1682, in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany. She was the sixth of eight children.
How did Maria Crescentia Höss enter the convent?
Anna Höss, a poor weaver, was initially unable to pay the customary dowry for admission. However, the mayor of Kaufbeuren intervened by purchasing a disruptive adjacent tavern for the convent, and in return, Anna was accepted as a candidate in June 1703.
What challenges did Maria Crescentia Höss face in the monastery?
Upon entering, she was not treated kindly and was subjected to prolonged persecution by the superior and some older sisters. They treated her as a servant, gave her menial tasks, and initially denied her a cell of her own.
When did Maria Crescentia Höss become mother superior?
Despite her earlier hardships, Maria Crescentia Höss was elected as the monastery's mother superior in 1741. She served in this office until her death on April 5, 1744.
What is Maria Crescentia Höss remembered for?
She is remembered for her spiritual leadership, advocating for unlimited trust in Divine Providence and a focus on inner spiritual life. She emphasized that 'God wants the monastery rich in virtue, not in temporal goods.'
When was Maria Crescentia Höss canonized?
Maria Crescentia Höss was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1900 and canonized by Pope John Paul II on November 25, 2001.
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