Catherine Scherer was born at Meggen, Canton Luzern, Switzerland, on 31st October 1825. She was the fourth child among seven to Charles Scherer and his wife Anna Maria Sigrist. Mother Maria Theresa characterized her parents “My parents were poor, but they were good and Christian”.In 1983 when her father died and family had to face the stark realities of life. Due to financial problem, after the death of her father she moved into the house of her cousins the Sigrist family and she was taken care of by an elderly woman.
The religious atmosphere at home, and the seven years schooling, the regularity of life on farm helped to mould Catherine’s character.She worked for a couple of years, in the town hospital run by the Sisters of Mercy of Besancon.
At the age of 19 Catherine chose a way of life to serve the young, the sick and the poor by joining a newly found Holy Cross congregation by Fr. Theodosius Florentini OFM. Cap. She was one of the first five members;on 27th October1845 took her first vow as Sr. Maria Theresa. She began her mission as a teacher. She loved teaching but God had His own plan for her. In 1852 Fr. Theodosius called her to Chur, where she was entrusted with a responsibility of an administration of the hospital.
In 1856 the congregation got divided into two based on apostolate, mainly teaching and healing ministry. In 1857 she was elected Mother General at Ingenbohl, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. She walked the way of the cross with fortitude and trust in God. To her sisters she was a mother and guide, to the poor and afflicted a compassionate healer.
After the sudden death of founder the co –foundress Mother Maria Theresa, gave life and growth to an endangered Institute by her dynamic personality.
She died on 16th June 1888 at Ingenbohl, after a painful illness which she bore with great patience. She was beatified by Pope John Paul IIon 29 October 1995.