Note: For the past few months, I’ve been featuring women with a connection to the Americas. Starting next week, I’ll be looking at women like Maria de Jesus Sacramentado (born Maria Navidad Venegas de la Torre) who were beatified or canonized in the 20th or 21st centuries.
The Basics: Born September 8, 1868, in Mexico; died July 30, 1959, in Mexico; canonized May 21, 2000, by John Paul II; feast day, July 30; woman religious, nurse.
The Story: Mexico’s first female saint spent most of her life caring for others, and under less than ideal situations for part of that time. Maria worked as a nurse and in other functions at a charity hospital through the Association of the Daughters of Mary, a lay organization. When she was nearly forty, a retreat confirmed her belief she was being called to a religious vocation, which led to the establishment of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Guadalajara.
The 1920s were a time of religious persecution and violence in the area, including a rebellion called 
the Cristero War against the government’s severe restrictions on Catholics. However, Maria managed to keep the hospital open throughout. She lived at the hospital until the end of her life, and it is said she spent time with patients even in her closing days.
Maria’s Wisdom: “The weight of the cross is burdensome for those carrying it, but not for those who embrace it.”
What We Can Learn from Maria: Maria didn’t make excuses or let fear or threats get in her way. She just kept doing the Lord’s work. Is there a place in your life where you’re coming up with all sorts of rationalizations not to do as God desires?
To Learn More About Maria: Watch a lovely Spanish-language YouTube video on her life, with plenty of photos.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
