Mother Mathilda Beasley (Believed to be born in 1832-1903)
While the cause for sainthood for this first Georgian nun is under review, her life and her achievements are remarkable. Throughout much of 19th century Georgia, black children were forbidden an education, those teaching would be heavily fined and flogged. Mathilda taught for many years in secret until 1860. She was baptized a Catholic in 1869, was married, then widowed, and bequeathed her inheritance to the Church, with the request to open an orphanage. She then joined the Order of St. Francis, where she devoted herself to keeping the orphanage running despite many obstacles.
+© Public Domain via Georgia Historical Society