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Animator's Meeting-2025

St.Joseph's Feast, Bandra

</head> <body> <h2>Blessed Mother Marie Therese - Foundress</h> </body> </html> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-22d964d sc_fly_static elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="22d964d" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="416" height="609" src="https://daughtersofthecrossbombay.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Marie-Therese.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-image-24865" alt="" srcset="https://daughtersofthecrossbombay.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Marie-Therese.jpg 416w, https://daughtersofthecrossbombay.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Marie-Therese-205x300.jpg 205w, https://daughtersofthecrossbombay.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Marie-Therese-370x542.jpg 370w, https://daughtersofthecrossbombay.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Marie-Therese-410x600.jpg 410w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 416px" /> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-537695f sc_fly_static elementor-widget elementor-widget-trx_sc_title" data-id="537695f" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="trx_sc_title.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="sc_title sc_title_default" ><h2 class="sc_item_title sc_title_title sc_align_center sc_item_title_style_default" ><span class="sc_item_title_text">Blessed Marie Therese- Foundress</span></h2></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1658c03 sc_content_align_inherit sc_layouts_column_icons_position_left sc_fly_static" data-id="1658c03" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ce650e9 sc_fly_static elementor-widget elementor-widget-html" data-id="ce650e9" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="html.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="ie=edge"> <title>Blessed Mother Marie Therese - Foundress

Jeanne Haze

Jeanne Haze was born in Liège, Belgium, in February 1782. She came from a loving family which gave her spiritual strength throughout her life. Her first experience of suffering came as a result of the French Revolution when Jeanne and her family were exiled to Germany. During that time her father died. The family lost everything and Jeanne became aware of the transitory nature of material belongings.

Vocation and Founding of the Congregation

She was conscious of her vocation very early in her life. Because of their own experience of the Cross, Jeanne and her sister Ferdinande were drawn to those most in need. In answer to a request by Dean Cloes of St Barthélemy in Liège, they opened a school for poor children. Jeanne and her sister were joined by other young women wishing to lead a religious life.

Formation of the Congregation

On September 8th 1833, Jeanne and her sister made their perpetual vows, receiving the names Mother Marie Therese and Mother Aloysia. Two other companions, Sisters Clara and Constance, made their temporary vows for one year and two postulants entered the noviciate.

Blessed Mother Marie Therese - Foundress

Blessed Marie Therese's Death

Marie Therese died on the 7th January 1876, and the Canon at the end of that year. She has left us little in writing, but her life itself is an open book, a page of the Gospel written day by day, by God who is able to do all things. Blessed Marie Thérèse was beatified on April 21st 1991.

Growth and Expansion

Canon Habets, as he later became, remained a constant guide and support to Marie Therese. The community responded whenever they could to the needs of the people around them – nursing the sick in their own homes, caring for the women prisoners, teaching children by day and adults in the evenings. Before long, communities were founded in Germany (1849), India (1861) and England (1863). By the time Blessed Marie Therese died on January 7th 1876, she had received more than 900 Sisters into the Congregation and founded 51 communities.

Canon Habets Co-Founder

Father Jean Guillaume Habets was born in the Flemish province of Limbourg. As mentioned above, he was the young curate to Dean Cloes. He had made it possible for Jeanne and Ferdinande to open their little school for the poor by giving up a house that he himself might have had. Instead, he continued to live in his draughty garret.

Canon Habets

Roots of Our Mission

1782

Jeanne Haze was born in Liège, Belgium.

1790s

Exiled during the French Revolution, she loses her father and gains a deep understanding of faith and resilience.

Early 1800s

With her sister Ferdinande, she began teaching poor children.

1861

The mission reaches India

1849

The congregation expands to Germany

1833

The Daughters of the Cross was founded, with Jeanne taking the name Mother Marie Thérèse

1863

Expansion continues in England.

1876

Mother Marie Thérèse passed away, leaving behind 51 communities and over 900 Sisters.

1991

She is beatified by the Church, recognizing her enduring legacy.

The Daughters of the Cross continue to serve with the same spirit of faith and compassion today.

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Pray to the Mother of God for Peace

Jeanne Haze (1782–1876) was a Belgian nun who, after facing exile during the French Revolution, dedicated her life to educating poor children. In 1833, she founded the Daughters of the Cross, expanding their mission to Germany, India, and England. By her passing, the congregation had 51 communities and 900 Sisters. She was beatified in 1991, and her legacy of faith and compassion continues today.

Charism

Divine Gift

Proclaiming God’s Love through the Cross

The Daughters of the Cross are called to understand and proclaim that God’s love is revealed most profoundly in the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their mission is to glorify and honor Christ by serving Him.

Contemplation of the Cross

They contemplate Jesus, the humble servant of redemptive love, as He suffers betrayal, denial, abandonment, and crucifixion. They stand spiritually with Mary, St. John, and St. Mary Magdalene at Calvary, drawing strength from the mystery of the Cross.

Obedience to God’s Will

Following Christ’s example, they embrace the will of the Father in faithful and attentive response to the Spirit. Their daily prayer deepens their understanding of Jesus' humility, preparing them for selfless service.

Love of God and Neighbor

The Daughters of the Cross never separate the love of God from the love of people. Inspired by Christ, they serve others with humility, generosity, and creativity, demonstrating that true love for God is reflected in love for one’s neighbor.

Justice, Peace, and the Signs of the Times

As an ecclesial community, they stay attentive to global challenges such as poverty, exploitation, inequality, and oppression. They actively engage in movements for justice and peace, advocating for the dignity of all.

Respect for Diversity and Interfaith Dialogue

The sisters respect religious and cultural diversity and participate in interfaith dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and unity among people of different faiths.

Eco-Spirituality and Responsibility for Creation

They recognize the interdependence of all Creation and are committed to environmental stewardship. By adopting a contemplative gaze and a spirit of awe, they uphold their responsibility to care for the earth and safeguard it for future generations.
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Important Dates

  • 7th January – Death of Mother Marie Therese (1876)
  • 9th February – Mother Marie Therese declared Venerable (1941)
  • 28th February – Birth of Mother Marie Therese (1782)
  • 19th March – St. Joseph (especially venerated by Mother Marie Therese)
  • 21st April – Mother Marie Therese Beatified (1991)
  • 9th May – Approval of Constitutions (1851)
  • June – Feast of the Sacred Heart (special devotion of Mother Marie Therese)
  • 24th June – St. John the Baptist, patron of Cannon Habets
  • 8th September – Foundation of the Congregation (1833)
  • 14th September – The Triumph of the Cross
  • 15th September – Our Lady of Sorrows
  • 1st October – Pontifical Approbation of the Congregation (1845)
  • 15th October – St. Teresa of Avila, patron of the Congregation
  • 13th December – Introduction of the Cause of Mother Marie Therese (1911)
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