Note: For the next several weeks, I’m featuring women with a connection to the Americas.
The Basics: Born February 16, 1883, in Italy; died August 25, 1969, in Ecuador; beatified November 24, 2012; feast day, August 25; woman religious, missionary, nurse.
The Story: This farmer’s daughter never tired of doing service in the Lord’s name. She joined the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco when she was twenty-two, and went on to work as a nurse in a Red Cross hospital during World War I. What she learned about emergency medical care and triage surely helped her a few years later when she became a missionary in Ecuador. 
In addition to providing spiritual and medical assistance, Maria where possible eased tensions between the indigenous peoples and new settlers. Perhaps that’s why she was known as “Mamacita.”
Maria died in a plane crash en route to her annual retreat. Two sisters who accompanied her survived to continue the work.
Maria’s Wisdom: “Every day I am happier with my missionary religious vocation!”
What We Can Learn from Maria: She never got back to Italy to see family or friends. Adjusting to a new climate, new culture, and new language had to be challenging at times. And yet, Maria embraced her vocation with gusto. May we all do the same, putting aside complaints and whining.
To Learn More About Maria: Check out a biography at her community’s site.
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.
