June 4 is the feast day of Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad, who was born to a poor Lutheran family in 1870 Sweden, growing up in a family of 13 siblings that went through economic hardships. As a teenager she immigrated to the United States to work as a nurse, caring for poor immigrant patients in New York City. In serving people of different backgrounds -- many Catholic -- she discovered a faith that inspired her, eventually leading to her conversion to Catholicism.
Throughout her life this lesser-known saint served others, and also managed to leave behind a legacy that can inspire others in their daily lives. In fact, below are just three examples from the life of the religious sister that are vital for us all today.
1Be driven by compassion
In 1902, she embraced the Catholic faith and felt “in an instant the love of God was poured over me," as shared by Accidental Talmudist. Leaving the familiar comfort of her upbringing behind, she followed her conscience to Rome to become a nun. Inspired by the medieval St. Bridget of Sweden, she founded a new branch of the Bridgettine sisters and opened a hospital-convent where even patients with no money were treated with dignity and compassion.
2Place others before yourself
In 1943, as Nazi persecution raged, she readily risked her life by sheltering several Jewish families in her Roman convent, hiding about a dozen people for months even though discovery could mean death. Yet protecting others mattered more to her than her own safety. One survivor, Piero Piperno, later recalled in an interview with Aleteia,
“She saved our lives, but above all, in those dark times, she recognized the dignity of our religion.”
Remarkably, Mother Elizabeth not only provided refuge but also encouraged her guests to observe their own religious traditions in secret. In an era of fear and hatred, her fearless compassion shone as a beacon of hope.
3Be a champion of unity
After the war, Mother Elizabeth continued to live out her mission of charity, caring for the sick and poor and becoming a quiet champion of unity in a divided world. She fostered dialogue and friendship between Catholics, Protestants, Jews and people of other faiths long before “interfaith understanding” was a common phrase.
Throughout her life she persevered in her purpose despite many obstacles — poverty, cultural barriers, even a grave illness that nearly sent her back to Sweden early in her vocation. She often put the good of her neighbor before her own benefit, as shared by the Vatican; tellingly, her final words to her sisters were, “Go to Heaven with hands full of love and virtues."
St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad’s story offers a warm invitation to all of us, whatever our background, to choose courage over comfort and compassion over indifference. Her life shows that doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it is always worthwhile. As we celebrate her feast day, we can reflect on how her legacy calls us to protect the vulnerable, love without limits, and persevere in goodness — so that we, too, might leave the world a little more united and hope-filled.
