Matilde of the Sacred Heart
Matilde of the Sacred Heart, born Matilde Téllez Robles, was a Spanish nun and the foundress of the Hijas de María Madre de la Iglesia. She established a congregation dedicated to caring for the poor and ill and educating children, facing initial challenges but ultimately growing her order. Her beatification took place on 21 March 2004.
Key Facts
- ›Matilde Téllez Robles was born on 30 may 1841 in Robledillo de la Vera, Spain.
- ›She felt called to a religious life, founding the congregation of the Hijas de María Madre de la Iglesia.
- ›The congregation initially struggled with membership but grew as houses were established.
- ›Matilde Téllez Robles worked with orphaned children, the poor, and the sick.
- ›Her order received diocesan approval on 19 March 1884 and papal approval later.
- ›She died on 17 December 1902 in Don Benito after suffering a stroke.
Matilde Téllez Robles
Hijas De MaríA Madre De La Iglesia
About Matilde of the Sacred Heart
Matilde of the Sacred Heart, born Matilde Téllez Robles on May 30, 1841, was a Spanish nun renowned as the foundress of the congregation of the Hijas de María Madre de la Iglesia. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to religious service and the care of the vulnerable.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Robledillo de la Vera, Matilde Téllez Robles relocated with her family to Béjar in Salamanca during her childhood. As an adolescent, she felt a strong calling to dedicate her life to God's worship and service, a path met with significant opposition from her father, who desired her to marry. She found spiritual solace and support within the association of the Hijas de María. Téllez Robles devoted her time to prayer and caring for the sick and poor, while also feeling a call to establish a religious order focused on Eucharistic Adoration and aiding those in need. With the eventual support of her father and her spiritual director, Manuel de la Oliva, she acquired a house to begin her endeavor.
The foundation of her congregation faced initial difficulties, with only one other member, María Briz, joining her on the planned founding date of March 19, 1875. Despite this slow start, Téllez Robles was determined. She and Briz, who became her lifelong companion, assumed religious habits on January 20, 1878, and began working with orphaned children, establishing a school for them, as well as continuing to assist the poor and sick. More women gradually joined, leading to the need for larger accommodations. The group moved to Don Benito in March 1879, where Téllez opened a school and novitiate. The order received diocesan approval on March 19, 1884, from the Bishop of Plasencia, Pedro Casas i Souto, allowing Téllez and other sisters to make their religious vows on June 29 of the same year. The congregation faced tragedy in 1885 with the death of María Briz during a cholera outbreak. Nevertheless, the order continued to expand, opening new houses in Cáceres in 1889, and later in Trujillo, Almendralejo, and Los Santos de Maimona.
Matilde Téllez Robles died on December 17, 1902, at the motherhouse in Don Benito, following a stroke. By 2005, her order had grown to 261 religious in 41 houses across nations including Mexico and Portugal. The congregation received a papal decree of praise from Pope Pius XI on May 12, 1930, and pontifical approval from Pope Pius XII on May 6, 1941.
Beatification
The cause for Matilde of the Sacred Heart's beatification commenced on December 15, 1977. She was declared a Servant of God, and a process for collecting documentation took place in Plasencia. After validation and the submission of a Positio dossier, historians and theologians approved the case. On April 23, 2002, Pope John Paul II confirmed her heroic virtue, declaring her venerable. One miracle was required for beatification, which was investigated, approved by medical experts, theologians, and the congregation. Pope John Paul II approved this miracle and proceeded to beatify Matilde of the Sacred Heart on March 21, 2004, in Saint Peter's Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Matilde of the Sacred Heart born?
Matilde of the Sacred Heart, born Matilde Téllez Robles, was born on 30 May 1841.
What congregation did Matilde of the Sacred Heart found?
She founded the congregation of the Hijas de María Madre de la Iglesia, dedicated to the care of the poor and ill and the education of children.
When was Matilde of the Sacred Heart beatified?
Matilde of the Sacred Heart was beatified on 21 March 2004 in Saint Peter's Square by Pope John Paul II.
What challenges did Matilde face in founding her congregation?
Initially, her congregation faced a lack of membership, and her father strongly opposed her desire for religious life, wanting her to marry instead.
When did Matilde of the Sacred Heart die?
She died on 17 December 1902 in Don Benito, Spain, after suffering a stroke two days prior.
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