Saint Marianne Cope

Stored in Cargo: Saint Marianne Cope

Saint Marianne Cope
Feast Day	January 23
Liturgical Class
Patronage	lepers; outcasts; HIV/AIDS patients; Hawaii
Birthplace	Heppenheim, Grand Duchy of Hesse, German Confederation
Death Place	Kalaupapa, Molokai, Territory of Hawaii
Cause of Death	natural causes
Primary Shrine	Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu, Hawaii

Saint Marianne Cope (née Barbara Koob; January 23, 1838 – August 9, 1918) was a German-born American Franciscan sister who dedicated thirty years to caring for leprosy patients in Hawaii, working alongside Saint Damien of Molokai.^[1] Born in Heppenheim, she emigrated with her family to Utica, New York, in 1839. Entering the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse in 1862, she took the name Marianne and served as teacher, principal, hospital administrator, and superior, founding St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica and St. Joseph's in Syracuse.^[2]

In 1883, at age 45, she volunteered with six sisters to answer King Kalākaua's plea for leprosy care in Hawaii, arriving in Honolulu on November 8, 1883. Establishing hospitals on Oahu and Maui, she assumed care of Molokai's facilities in 1888 after Damien's death, transforming Kalaupapa into a dignified community until her own death.^[3] Beatified on May 14, 2005 and canonized on October 21, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI after authenticated miracles, her feast is January 23. Patroness of lepers, outcasts, and Hawaii, she is invoked by those with HIV/AIDS.

Biography

Birth

Saint Marianne Cope was born Barbara Koob on January 23, 1838 in Heppenheim, Grand Duchy of Hesse, to Peter Koob, a farmer, and Barbara Witzenbacher. The following year, the family emigrated to Utica, New York, seeking better opportunities in America. Barbara grew up in the German Catholic community of St. Joseph's Parish, receiving First Communion and Confirmation there.

The Koob family—parents and eight children—faced typical immigrant challenges, including language barriers and economic hardship. Her father worked in a factory to support them, instilling values of hard work and faith. Barbara attended parochial school until age 14, when her father's illness forced her to leave and work in a factory.

These early hardships shaped her compassion for the suffering. Despite difficulties, the family maintained strong Catholic practice, attending Mass regularly.

Early Life

Marianne's childhood in Utica was marked by German immigrant piety and American adaptation. She learned English quickly while retaining German fluency, a skill later useful in ministry. Factory work delayed her vocation, but she maintained spiritual practices privately.

At age 24, free of family obligations after her father's death, Marianne entered the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis in Syracuse, a congregation founded for German immigrants. Novitiate formed her in Franciscan simplicity and service. Professed in 1863, she taught in German parochial schools, demonstrating administrative talent.

By 1870, she was principal and superior, overseeing expansions. Her leadership attracted vocations and resources for hospitals. Elected superior in 1877, she founded St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, open to all regardless of race or religion.

Her early religious life balanced teaching with emerging healthcare apostolate.

Occupation

As a professed sister, Marianne served in education and healthcare administration. She excelled in forming novices and managing schools. In 1870, she helped establish St. Joseph's Hospital, becoming its administrator.

She introduced modern nursing practices and ensured care for the marginalized. As provincial superior, she oversaw growth of the congregation. In 1883, responding to Hawaii's leprosy crisis, she volunteered with six sisters.

Arriving in Honolulu, she established facilities on Oahu and Maui. In Molokai from 1888, she directed care for hundreds, improving hygiene and dignity.

Her occupation combined teaching, administration, and direct nursing of the most marginalized.

Vocation

Marianne's vocation was Franciscan service to the poorest. Her hospital work embodied care for Christ in the suffering. Volunteering for Hawaii at 45 reflected radical availability.

In Molokai, she lived among patients, contracting no disease despite constant contact—a phenomenon noted but unexplained medically. She emphasized joy and beauty amid isolation.

Her vocation inspired sisters to remain after her death, continuing the mission. She practiced poverty and obedience in leadership.

Death

By 1918, age and kidney disease weakened Marianne. She died peacefully on August 9, 1918 at Kalaupapa, aged 80, surrounded by sisters and patients.

Her last words expressed gratitude and readiness for heaven. Immediate veneration followed; body exhumed in 1953 showed no decay, reburied in Honolulu, then returned to Kalaupapa in 2005, with arm relic in Syracuse.

Saint Marianne Cope met her end peacefully in old age.

Significant events

Entered Syracuse Franciscans, 1862.
Founded St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, 1870s.
Arrived in Hawaii, November 8, 1883.
Assumed Molokai care after Damien's death, 1888.
Died August 9, 1918.

Significant locations

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Legend

Birth location: Heppenheim, Grand Duchy of Hesse, German Confederation
Death location: Kalaupapa, Molokai, Territory of Hawaii
Notable location: Founded hospital (St. Joseph's Hospital (historical site), Syracuse, New York, United States)
Notable location: Primary site of leprosy ministry (Kalaupapa Settlement, Molokai, Hawaii)
Notable location: Founded facility for leper girls (Bishop Home for Girls, Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii)
Notable location: Shrine with relics (Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii)
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