Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Mercedes of Jesus Molina

The Basics: Born September 24, 1828, in Ecuador; died June 12, 1883, in Ecuador; beatified February 1, 1985, by John Paul II; feast day, June 12. Woman religious and missionary. The Story: Mercedes’ early life had much heartache… and to bear it, she turned to Jesus. Her father died when she was just two; her mother, when… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Mercedes of Jesus Molina

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mariana de Jesus de Paredes

The Basics: Born October 31, 1618, in Ecuador; died May 26, 1645, in Ecuador; canonized 1950 by Pius XII; feast day, May 26. Mystic, hermit. The Story: The woman known as the Lily of Quito lost her parents when she was just four, and was raised by an older sister. At a young age, Mariana wanted to enter… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mariana de Jesus de Paredes