Blessed Mary Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger, 1797–1879

May 9

Caroline Gerhardinger was born in Germany. She was a teacher, but she believed Jesus was asking her to be a nun. She always said “yes” to Jesus, so she started the school, Sisters of Notre Dame. Caroline’s new name was Mary Theresa of Jesus. She opened schools in Germany and the United States. She was happy to do what Jesus asked.

Discuss: Name one thing Jesus is asking you to do. 

Caroline Gerhardinger was born in Germany. She was a teacher. She loved teaching, but she believed Jesus was asking her to be a nun. She always wanted to say “yes” to Jesus, so she started the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Caroline’s new name was Mary Theresa of Jesus. She opened schools in Germany and the United States and became Mother Theresa. She was very happy to teach, but she was happier that she was doing what Jesus asked her to do.

By the time of her death, Blessed Mary Theresa’s congregation grew to more than 2,500 Sisters. She knew that many problems of the needy could be helped by education. She had a special concern for women and children.

Activity
Answering “Yes”
Verbal/Linguistic

Explain that Blessed Mary Theresa of Jesus said “yes,” to Jesus’ calling. We also can say “yes” to what he is calling us to do.

• Help your child write a prayer to Jesus in which she/he is offering a “yes,” to something specific she/he feels Jesus wants her/him to do.
• If your child has trouble writing or spelling, ask him/her to verbalize his/her thoughts while you write the prayer on paper.
• Encourage your child to share her/his prayer with other family members.