Irish nun, born on January 1, 1889, in the parish of Crosserlough, County Cavan, Susan Cusack was one of six children in a modest farming family. At the age of 20, she joined the Little Sisters of the Assumption in Paris, adopting the name Sister Oliva Maria. Her vocation led her to work in Reims and Saint-Étienne before embarking on a missionary journey to Argentina in 1923.​

A Pivotal Moment in Buenos Aires

In December 1936, in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Sister Oliva Maria was called upon to assist a young Italian immigrant couple, Jose Bergoglio and Regina Maria Sivori, with the birth of their first child. Unbeknownst to her, the newborn she helped deliver and care for would grow up to become Pope Francis. She stayed with the family for a week, providing care and support during this significant time.

A Lasting Impact

Pope Francis often spoke of the profound influence the Little Sisters of the Assumption had on his life. In the foreword to a book on the life of Fr Étienne Pernet, one of the founders of the order, he wrote:​

“I have many memories tied to these religious women who, as silent angels enter the homes of those in need, work patiently, look after, help, and then silently return to their convent.”​

This early exposure to the compassion and dedication of the sisters left an indelible mark on him, shaping his commitment to serving the poor and marginalized.​

Rediscovering Sister Oliva Maria’s Story

The connection between Sister Oliva Maria and Pope Francis came to light through the research of Matt Moran, a former chairman of Misean Cara, a charity supporting missionaries. Prompted by a mention during a televised papal mass in 2018, Moran delved into historical records, uncovering the significant role the Irish nun played in the Pope’s early life.

A Life of Service

After her time in Buenos Aires, Sister Oliva Maria continued her missionary work, serving in Rosario, Montevideo, and finally in Muniz, near Buenos Aires. She passed away on October 31, 1975, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.​

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