The Basics: Born March 24, 1847, in Spain; died December 26, 1896 in Spain; canonized May 25, 1975, by Paul VI; feast day, December 26. Social worker; woman religious.
The Story: When she was ten, Vicentia was sent to Madrid to live with her aunt Eulalia. Eulalia had already begun working with young girls who found themselves in moral or physical danger, having left their families and not possessing any marketable skills. Vicentia caught her aunt’s fire, and realized this was her vocation. Her parents objected at first, insisting that she marry or join a cloistered order rather than get involved with such women. But eventually they came to understand Vicentia was being called to this service. The young woman and her aunt began living in a community in 1871, and in 1876 developed the rule for the Daughters of Mary Immaculate for Domestic Service, which continues to minister to young women today in five continents.
Vicentia’s Wisdom: “I count myself happier in the service of these my sisters than the great ones of this world in the service of their lords and kings.”
What We Can Learn from Vicentia: Much as we love our parents, we can also learn much from our aunts and uncles… or, we can offer much to our nieces and nephews just as we do our children. Today, interact with someone from your extended family. Talk about a common interest.
To Learn More About Vicentia: Visit the site for her childhood home, now a museum, in Cascante.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
