María de las Maravillas de Jesús
María de las Maravillas de Jesús was a Spanish Discalced Carmelite nun, known for founding several convents for her order, including one in India. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003, recognizing her life of heroic virtue and her significant contributions to Carmelite life.
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›She was born María de las Maravillas Pidal Chico de Guzmán in Madrid on November 4, 1891.
- ›She entered the Discalced Carmelites in Madrid on October 12, 1919, taking the religious name María de las Maravillas de Jesús.
- ›She founded several Carmelite convents in Spain and one in Kottayam, India, in 1933.
- ›During the Spanish CIVIL War, she and other nuns were expelled from their convent and found refuge with the Ursulines before settling in Las Batuecas.
- ›She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on may 4, 2003, in Madrid.
- ›Her final words were "What happiness to die a Carmelite!"
María de las Maravillas Pidal Chico de Guzmán, Mavi
About María de las Maravillas de Jesús
María de las Maravillas de Jesús (born María de las Maravillas Pidal Chico de Guzmán; 4 November 1891 – 11 December 1974) was a Spanish Discalced Carmelite nun, celebrated for her dedication to her order and her significant role in founding new convents.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Madrid, María de las Maravillas Pidal Chico de Guzmán entered the Discalced Carmelites on October 12, 1919, taking the religious name María de las Maravillas de Jesús. Her spiritual life began early, with a vow of chastity made at a young age and the guidance of a Jesuit priest. She made her first profession on May 7, 1920, and her solemn profession on May 30, 1924.
She was instrumental in founding several convents for her order. Her first major foundation was in Getafe at the Cerro de los Ángeles in 1926. Despite facing religious persecution during the Spanish Civil War, which led to her expulsion from her convent in 1936 and a period of exile, she continued her work. She re-established her convent and founded new ones in various locations across Spain, including Toledo and Málaga, and notably established a convent in Kottayam, India, in 1933.
Sainthood and Legacy
María de las Maravillas de Jesús was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 10, 1998. She was later canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 4, 2003, during his apostolic visit to Madrid. Her final words, "What happiness to die a Carmelite!," reflect her profound devotion. Her legacy is marked by her tireless efforts in establishing Carmelite communities and her spiritual fortitude, particularly during times of persecution. Her remains are interred at La Aldehuela.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was María de las Maravillas de Jesús born and when did she die?
She was born on November 4, 1891, and died on December 11, 1974.
What religious order did María de las Maravillas de Jesús belong to?
She was a Spanish Discalced Carmelite nun.
What is María de las Maravillas de Jesús most known for?
She is known for founding several houses of her order, including one in India, and for her canonization by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
What happened to her during the Spanish Civil War?
During the Spanish Civil War, the nuns were expelled from their convent and she spent time in exile before helping to found a new convent in Las Batuecas.
When was she canonized?
She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 4, 2003.
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