Saint Maria Crescentia Höss

Second Class Holy Relics of Mother Crescentia with medals of her and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

 

Holz vom Sarg (From the Wood of the Coffin)

Leinwand (From the Clothing)

 

Feast day: April 5

 

Anna Höss was born as the sixth of the eight children to the weaver Mathias Höss and his wife Luzia in Kaufbeuren on October 20th, 1682. In 1703 Anna was admitted to the convent of Franciscan nuns in Kaufbeuren with the help of the Protestant mayor of the town (at that time two thirds of the population of Kaufbeuren were Protestants). She was called Crescentia ( the "growing one"). In 1710 she became portress and nurse, in 1717 mistress of novices and in 1741 superior.

 

She saw her task in fulfilling the will of God and in serving her fellow men. The devotion to the Holy Spirit and the following of Christ by consciously accepting suffering were essential to her. Her prayer often led to visions, which she explained as a kind of "contemplating the mysteries of faith with the eyes of the soul". She soon became a much sought-after adviser and helper and influential spiritual guide. She died on April 5th, 1744, looked upon as a saint by many. Pope Leo Beatified her on October 7th, 1900, Pope John Paul II Canonized her on November 25th, 2001.

 

PRAYER

 

Holy Crescentia,

with great confidence we appeal

to you and fervently

ask for your help.

 

We firmly believe in your

powerful intercession.

 

You know all our worries

and concerns.

 

Beg God for us and all our

brothers and sisters

we recommend to His mercy.

 

Lend us your motherly

help now and at the hour

of our death.

 

Amen.

Done