Sister Maria Hummel Day

Sister Maria Hummel Day is an American holiday dedicated to honoring Sister Maria Hummel. It is revered by Catholic faithful as well as by Christians of other denominations. The holiday is observed on May 21 each year.

History

Sister Maria Hummel Day is closely tied to the life of Sister Maria Hummel. Born on this day in 1909 in Germany, she had a passion for art from an early age and became well-known for her beautiful paintings. In 1931, Maria decided to dedicate her life to a convent and became a nun, taking the name Sister Maria Innocentia.

In her free time, Maria continued to paint, creating a variety of artworks, including postcards that became quite popular. Eventually, books were compiled featuring her illustrations. Sister Maria was not afraid to address political issues in her work, and she openly opposed the rise of Nazism in Germany during the 1930s. One of her paintings even featured the Star of David, a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish people.

In 1940, all religious schools were shut down by the Nazi regime. Sister Maria lived modestly, selling her artwork, but much of her profits were confiscated by the Nazis. Four years later, she fell ill with tuberculosis. Despite receiving treatment, she passed away on November 6, 1946.

Interesting Facts

• Religious schools created significant problems for the Nazis because they promoted ideas of protest and resistance.
• Sister Maria Hummel graduated with top honors from the Munich Academy of Art in 1931.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about Sister Maria Hummel’s life and explore her artwork, including her paintings, postcards, and illustrations.

Share the holiday on social media to raise awareness about her life and legacy.

When is Sister Maria Hummel Day in 2025?

Sister Maria Hummel Day is observed annually on May 21.

Observations