Sister Mary Lucrezia Maniscalco, MM
Born: April 22, 1883
Entered: October 15, 1929
Died: April 2, 1954
Sister Lucrezia died the morning of April 2, 1954 after being in the infirmary for four weeks. Sister came to Maryknoll with a desire to serve the missions, but foremost in her desires was the wish that she confirm to the Will of God, to grow in sanctity.
Anne Mary Maniscalco was born in Partinico Province of Palermo Sicily, Italy on April 22, 1883. Her parents were Benedetto and Lucrezia Garofalo Maniscalco. She had one brother and one sister. She was educated in Italy in elementary school and was a trained seamstress. She arrived in New York City from Italy in 1907 and worked for twelve years at a garment manufacturing company in New York.
Sister Lucrezia entered Maryknoll on October 15, 1929 and was professed in 1932 taking the name of Sister Mary Lucrezia.
Sister’s life as a religious was spent at the Motherhouse in loving dedication to her assigned tasks. On a number of occasions she had expressed the thought that her only desire was to grow closer to God and to conform her will completely to His. Sister’s assigned tasks were the sewing room and the garden – in both of these fields she had considerable skill and to both she lovingly and cheerfully gave devoted service.
Sister was blessed with remarkable good health. When Sister was told of her serious illness she replied with a smile that she wanted only God’s will. She was a constant source of edification to all who cared for her, she was cheerful and grateful for the least service, happily content to endure whatever suffering Our Lord had in store for her.
Sister had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart and always looked forward to the First Friday. She did receive Our Lord on this last First Friday. Her happiness was complete. An hour later she quietly and peacefully died. Father Greene gave her the last blessing.
Father Robert Greene, MM eulogized Sister Lucrezia on April 5, 1954 at her funeral.