Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger

Especially during this time of the year, I always think of our foundress Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. She was someone who believed in educating the whole person. She used future tense in her wording and was always optimistic. Her eyes spoke of her perceptive heart and she looked on others with a motherly love and understanding. Blessed Theresa lived from 1797 until 1879. On November 17, 1985 she was declared Blessed by the church, the first step before canonization.On this carving which is in the back of our convent chapel on Good Counsel Hill in Mankato, MN, I chose to put the words, "God's cause is the only concern of our hearts."Blessed Theresa wrote many letters during her life time and this quote is taken from #895 of those letters. This spirit captures our hearts as we transform our crosses. Our crosses become the connection in our growth. You will notice our SSND symbol at the center of the cross to remind us of our calling to enable people throughout the world to this same mission.

Bl. Theresa Gerhardinger, 80"h x 22"w x 11"d