Born in Switzerland on February 21, 1876, Verena Rast entered the convent at Clyde on Aug. 21, 1900. She was invested January 23, 1901 and made profession as Sister M. Coletta on January 23, 1902. Perpetual vows were offered to God on September 27, 1907; she had the joy of receiving Consecration of Virgins in November,1952 and celebrating her Golden Jubilee also in 1952.

Sister was small in stature, but had a rugged constitution and for over sixty years was a fervent, industrious, exemplary member of the community, active until about three days before her death. When it came to common work - dishwashing, peeling, canning, laundry - Sister M. Coletta was the first one there. In her early years she spent about six months collecting alms for the chapel fund. She was a zealous helper of Father Lukas in editing the German Tabernakel und Fegfeuer, and also took care of his room and wardrobe.

Sister was one of the pioneers at Mundelein - (1928-1954) and again at San Diego (1954-1956). Her zeal for perpetual adoration, the Divine Office and community exercises was most edifying. Her sisterly charity, manifested in many ways, endeared her to the Sisters, but most of all she was loved for her unfailing joyousness and simplicity. She had a cheerful, humorous way of looking at things, which made her a delightful entertainer.

In later years Sister suffered a progressive hearing loss, and in time became totally deaf. Nevertheless she came to recreation faithfully and took an active part, even though she could understand little or nothing of what was said. She would sit patiently through long spiritual readings or conferences, hearing nothing, but content to be with the community, taking time afterwards to read the instruction privately. She accepted her afflictions cheerfully and uncomplainingly. Sister enjoyed gardening and loved plants and flowers.

 She died suddenly as the result of a heart attack in the early morning of October 26, 1960. She was eighty-four years old.