The Basics: Born January 12, 1925, in Paraguay; died April 28, 1959, in Paraguay; beatified June 23, 2018; feast day, April 28. Woman religious.
The Story: Unlike so many female saints, Paraguay’s first beatified woman did not receive her religious vocation early. That is not to say
Maria, the oldest of seven children, was frivolous; far from it. She became very involved in Catholic Action when she was still in her early teens, helping those in need and young people. It was through Catholic Action that she met Angel Saua Llanes, and the two fell in love. They continued their volunteer activities, and Maria also taught at the parish school. In 1947, their lives were disrupted by the country’s civil war; Maria’s father and one of her brothers were exiled to Argentina at one point. Angel decided to enter medical school. Then, in 1951, he felt called to the priesthood, and a year later, moved to Europe for his training. More than four dozen of the letters they exchanged still exist today.
Maria likewise began to feel a call to religious life, but her plans were opposed by both her family and the local clergy, perhaps because they didn’t want to lose her lay service. Regardless, Maria became a Discalced Carmelite when she was thirty. She spent the remaining four years of her life in the Asuncion carmel, where she died of infectious hepatitis.
Maria’s Wisdom: “Jesus, I love you! What a sweet encounter! Virgin Mary!” (her dying words)
What We Can Learn from Maria: If a relationship doesn’t work out, it’s not necessarily that we or the other person loved less, but that we loved God more. Look for God’s desire in a personal situation that has disappointed you.
To Learn More About Maria: Visit the Discalced Carmelites’ site for the causes of the order’s saints; there are some wonderful photos of Maria.
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.
