Mother Maribel of Wantage (1864-1958) was a Catholic nun and spiritual leader who was the founder of the Order of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wantage, England. She is widely revered for her holiness and for the works she accomplished during her lifetime.
Born Mary Anne Keating in Ireland in 1864, she moved to England with her family at the age of eight. After working as an au pair and a governess, she entered religious life with the Sisters of Mercy in London. There, she took on an active role as a nurse during World War I and provided services to victims of the 1918 flu epidemic.
Her journey to sainthood began in 1921 when she founded the Order of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wantage. Dedicated to providing prayerful hospitality to people who were poor or ill, Mother Maribel’s mission was to bring peace and comfort to those who needed it most. During her time at Wantage, she worked tirelessly to promote social justice and care for those less fortunate than herself.
Mother Maribel was also known for her devotion to her faith; she wrote several books on spirituality which are still used today by many churches around the world. Her life was marked by acts of charity that included providing food, shelter, and clothing for those who were destitute. She was also committed to education and opened several schools that offered instruction in both secular subjects as well as religious studies.
Mother Maribel’s legacy continues today through organizations around the world that bear her name or are inspired by her teachings. Her devotion to charity and service is remembered through special events such as ‘The Mother Maribel Memorial Day’ held each year on April 24th which honors her life’s work and serves as a reminder that we should always strive towards compassion when dealing with those who are suffering or less fortunate than ourselves.
