Maria Catharina Daemen
Mother Magdalena, Dutch nun (1787-1858)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maria Catharina Daemen (19 November 1787 – 7 August 1858), known in religion as Mother Magdalena, was a Dutch nun and the founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in Heythuysen, Netherlands.[1]
19 November 1787
Mother Magdalena | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | Maria Catharina Daemen 19 November 1787 |
| Died | 7 August 1858 (aged 70) |
| Occupation | Nun |
| Known for | Founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity |
Early life
Daemen was born in Ohé en Laak on 19 November 1787.[2] Her surname is spelled as Damen in some sources, and her forename appears variously as Catherine and Katharina, her religious name also as Magdalen.[3][4]
As a young person, she was introduced to the Franciscan religion when the Franciscan Capuchins returned from exile to Maaseik.[5]
Religion
In 1817, Daemen became a nun under the Third Order Secular of St. Francis and took the religious name Mother Magdalena. She referred to that day as the greatest in her life. As a nun, Mother Magdalena taught courses on topics like needlework and religion.[5]
In 1835, she became the founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in Heythuysen, where she worked with the children in need.[5]
_beeld_Moeder_Maria_Magdalena_Daemen.JPG)
Legacy
Daemen died in Heythuysen on 7 August 1858.[2]
Daemen University in New York state, United States, is named for her. The university was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1947 as Rosary Hill College but was renamed to Daemen College in 1976 and later gained university status.[6]
