Feast of St. Maria De Mattias Mass
The Rev. Ed Herzog, alumnus and chaplain of Newman University, celebrated Mass for the Newman community in honor of St. Maria De Mattias’ feast day on Feb. 4. The Mass helped kick off Newman’s 2026 Heritage Month.
St. Maria was born on that day in 1805, into a privileged family in Vallecorsa, Italy. Despite her advantages, she had to teach herself to read and write, as formal education for women was unavailable. At sixteen, she experienced a mystical vision that ignited her passion for serving the marginalized.
Her Legacy
Over 32 years, Maria established nearly 70 schools in underserved areas. Guided by Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, C.PP.S., she founded the Congregation of the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) on March 4, 1834.
Her community eventually opened missions across Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, Congo, Australia, and beyond. The ASC have many educational ministries worldwide, but only one institution of higher education, Newman University.
St. Maria was canonized in 2003.
Learn More About Newman University’s Heritage Month
Each year Newman University students, faculty, staff and alumni celebrate the university’s founders and Catholic traditions during Heritage Month.
