Venerable Mother Mary Lange

Born: circa 1784
Death: February 3, 1882
Cause for Canonization Opened: 1991
Declared Venerable: June 22, 2023

Venerable Mother Mary Lange (né2 Elizabeth Lange) left Cuba as a young woman in search of peace and security in the United States. She settled in Baltimore, Maryland – a free Black woman living in a slave state – and used her own resources and home to educate children of color. In 1829, she founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first religious order for African American women. Despite facing poverty and racial injustice, her trust in God’s Providence never wavered. Her story is one of how deep faith enables us to persevere against all odds.

Read her story here.

Prayer for the Beatification of Mother Mary Lange

Almighty and Eternal God, You granted Mother Mary Lange extraordinary trust in Your providence.  You endowed her with humility, courage, holiness and an extraordinary sense of service to the poor and the sick.  You enabled her to found the Oblate Sisters of Providence and provided educational, social and spiritual ministry especially to the African American community.  Mother Lange’s love for all enabled her to see Christ in each person, and the pain of prejudice and racial hatred never blurred that vision. Design to raise her to the highest honors of the altar in order that, through her intercession, more souls may come to a deeper understanding and more fervent love of You. Heavenly Father, glorify Your heart by granting also this favour (here mention your request) which we ask through the intercession of Your faithful servant, Mother Mary Lange.  Amen.

Nihil Obstat:       

Msgr. Carroll Satterfield

Imprimatur:
Most Reverend William H. Keeler, DD    
Archbishop of Baltimore   

If favours are received, please notify:
Lange Guild  
701 Gun Road
Baltimore, MD 21227
www.motherlange.org

Download Prayer Card Here — from the Diocese of Arlington