Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Within days, Mother Marianne Cope will become the Syracuse Diocese’s first saint when she is canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.
Today, pilgrims from Hawaii – along with Sisters of St. Francis – will leave for Rome to attend the event.
A Utica native who was instrumental in establishing St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, Mother Marianne spent her last 35 years caring for dying lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.
Over the weekend, pilgrims from Hawaii visited several areas connected to Mother Marianne including St. Anthony’s Convent on Court Street in Syracuse, which houses her remains along with her relics.
“It’s so nice of the sisters that are taking care of these things. I’m happy and I’m crying,” said Sebastiana Fernandez.
NewsChannel 9’s Dan Cummings will be at the Vatican for the landmark event. He will be reporting from the Vatican starting Thursday.
