History of the Congregation
BLESSED MARIE THERSE HAZE
FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CROSS OF LIEGE
CANON HABETS
CO- FOUNDER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CROSS OF LIEGE
Blessed Marie Therese Haze Foundress of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross was Baptised as Jeanne Haze. Born in Liège on February 28, 1782, Jeanne experienced a life-altering event in 1794 when revolutionary armies targeted her father, the Secretary to the Prince Bishop. This incident forced her family to flee to Belgium and neighbouring countries, leading to the separation of some children from their parents. Her father died in exile due to fatigue and anxiety. Upon returning to Liège, the family found their home and possessions gone. Jeanne’s brother, a lawyer, died shortly after qualifying. Jeanne, her mother, and sisters struggled to survive in the aftermath of the Revolutionary wars in Belgium.
Jeanne and Ferdinande chose not to marry, unlike their other sisters. They stayed with their mother until she passed away. Afterward, they lived a reclusive life, dedicating their time and resources to helping the poor.
Jeanne’s life marked by significant change and faith. Initially, Jeanne and others were responsible for a small, fee-paying school that provided them with a livelihood.
However, they chose to take over a poor school in St. Barthelemy in Liege, despite opposition from family and friends, leading to financial insecurity. This decision was pivotal for Jeanne, drawing her closer to her faith. The French Revolution had closed convents and dispersed religious orders, and subsequent governments in Belgium, under Dutch rule, prohibited entry into religious orders by law, which is why she did not turn to religious life.
Jeanne Haze, unable to find her purpose, conceived the idea of a new religious foundation. Shaped by suffering and open to God’s will, she moved forward with this vision. Her sister Ferdinande and three companions shared her aspirations. John William Habets, a young curate, initially opposed the idea but eventually became the spiritual director, embracing it wholeheartedly.
The Belgian revolution of 1830 and the subsequent independence changed everything. The new Congregation began on September 8, 1833, when Jeanne Haze, known as Mother Marie Therese, and her companions took their vows, becoming Daughters of the Cross. Despite challenges, the Congregation grew rapidly, expanding its work to care for the sick, orphans, and women in need. By 1862, the first sisters had sailed for India, arriving in Karachi, Pakistan.
The establishment and early works of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross. Key points:
Establishment: Following the Belgian revolution of 1830, the Congregation was founded on September 8, 1833, by Jeanne Haze, who became known as Mother Marie Therese.
Early Challenges: The faith of the foundress was tested early on with the death of three companions and an attempt to supplant her as leader. Despite this, the Congregation grew.
Diversification of Works: Initially focused on teaching, the Congregation expanded to care for the sick, orphans, and women in danger or prison. They also aided those affected by cholera epidemics and war.
Expansion: By 1851, the Congregation had spread to Germany, and in 1862, sisters were sent to India via Karachi, Pakistan, followed by groups to England and India in 1863. Mother Marie Therese actively facilitated the expansion of her order.
The young Fr. Habets, who later became a Canon, provided unwavering support to Mother Marie Therese, dedicating himself to the Congregation’s care and promotion. He was considered a co-founder, without whom Mother Marie Therese would not have established so many foundations. They both died in 1876, Mother Marie Therese on January 7th and Canon Habets on December 29th. The Congregation has expanded in different countries and has houses in Belgium, Germany, England, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Cameroon.