Maria Julitta Ritz

Sister Maria Julitta began her mission as a teacher in several public primary schools, before being appointed in October 1910 to the private school at the congregation's motherhouse in Würzburg, where she taught for many years and participated in the formation of candidates. However, under pressure from the National Socialist regime, this school was forced to close its doors in 1940. Sister Maria Julitta was then assigned to the convent's porter's lodge. During the terrible bombing of Würzburg on March 16, 1945, the monastic complex was completely destroyed. The sisters had to take refuge temporarily in Heidenfeld. After the reconstruction of the motherhouse, Sister Maria Julitta returned to Würzburg and resumed her humble service at the porter's lodge, a task she would perform until her death. During the post-war period, she also set up a charitable parcel service to help those most in need.

Although confined to the modest role of a doorkeeper, Sister Maria Julitta acquired a reputation as an outstanding spiritual counselor. Many people, from the poor to scholars, came to seek comfort and guidance from her. She also maintained a vast spiritual correspondence and remained in contact with several theology professors, notably Father Alois Mager OSB, a psychologist of religion. Starting in 1924, on the advice of her spiritual director Konrad Hock (1868–1935), she began to record her inner experiences in writing. She continued writing this spiritual journal from 1935 until her death, leaving behind a spiritual autobiography of great mystical depth. However, her life of intense prayer and her mystical experiences aroused misunderstandings within her community. Due to suspicions of "false mysticism" surrounding a work written by her spiritual director Konrad Hock, Sister Maria Julitta was forbidden from teaching or holding higher offices within her order. She accepted this trial with profound humility and total obedience. She passed away peacefully at the motherhouse in Würzburg on November 13, 1966. Initially buried at the main cemetery (Hauptfriedhof) of Würzburg, her remains were exhumed on January 26, 1983, and then solemnly transferred on May 21, 1983, to the narthex of the church of the Sisters of the Redeemer's motherhouse.

The cause for the beatification of Sister Maria Julitta Ritz was officially opened at the diocesan level in 1982 by the Bishop of Würzburg, Msgr. Paul-Werner Scheele. The diocesan process collected her numerous writings and testimonies regarding her life of virtue. On December 19, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, thereby conferring upon her the title of Venerable. The cause is currently awaiting the official recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession to pave the way for her beatification.

The spirituality of the Venerable Maria Julitta Ritz is deeply rooted in the mystery of the Redemption and characterized by an absolute trust in Divine Providence and an unalterable inner joy. Her writings reveal a contemplative soul who knew how to combine intimate union with God with active and charitable service to her neighbor, thus embodying the ideal of being "both Mary and Martha." Her spiritual writings are preserved and disseminated by the Julitta Archives (Julitta-Archiv) in Würzburg. Her memory is celebrated each year, particularly on the Saturday preceding November 13, the anniversary of her return to God.