Apostoli_Viae

Bl Angel Maria Prat and Lucas Tristany Pujol – May 4 – Carmelite Saints

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Summary:

In a single celebration, both Orders of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel commemorate their martyrs who, in different places in Spain, bore witness to the faith before and during the long and bloody religious persecution for hatred of the faith (1936-1939). Father Angel Mary Prat Hostench, O. Carm., was murdered with his confreres in Tárrega in 1936; Father Lucas of St. Joseph Tristany Pujol, O.C.D., was slain with his confreres in Barcelona the same year. This memorial also includes the groups from Lleida, Tarragona, Toledo, Terrassa, Olot, and others. This multitude of bishops, diocesan priests, religious of various orders, and lay people were beatified, in part by Pope Benedict XVI on October 28, 2007 (498 martyrs), and in part by Pope Francis on October 13, 2013 (522 martyrs).

History:

Fr. Lucas of St. Joseph (Jose Tristany Pujol) was born on December 14, 1872. He was only six months old when his father died. The family suffered hardships due to his death, leading Jose’s mother, Rosa, to ask her older sons and daughter to live on their own. She took her two younger sons with her to the town of Cardona. There, Rosa died shortly after.  

Jose was taken in by his Uncle Antonio and Aunt Margarita in Tarragona. Meanwhile, his older brother, Meliton, entered the Discalced Carmelite Order and took the name Ludovico of the Sacred Hearts. Jose spent his adolescent years with his relatives, who, as he grew up, expected him to marry. However, he felt called to the priesthood, and at 15, began studying Humanities at the seminary.

At 18, Jose and his relatives visited the Carmelite Desert Monastery of Las Palmas, where his brother lived. There, he began his novitiate in 1890 and made his first profession of vows the next year. In 1894, he made his solemn vows at the hands of his brother, Fr. Ludovico. After being ordained on May 27, 1899, Fr. Lucas became the superior and professor of Philosophy.

He became well known for his preaching and spiritual writings. He coupled his intellectual capacity with a warm, generous spirit, dedicating himself to God, the Order, and those he served.

His conviction as a Carmelite friar inspired him to write these prophetic words in an article: “As long as God preserves my vocation, I will not lower my head in shame for anybody because I am a religious ... If we die for the truth, we will have triumphed.”

Fr. Lucas was sent to Mexico in 1902, where his apostolic work began in Mazatlán and Durango. His personality attracted many people, which helped build the Carmelites' good name. As a result, the bishop of Mazatlán requested more friars for ministry and entrusted a parish in the city to them, appointing Fr. Lucas as its first pastor. In contrast, the experience in Durango was not as smooth, and both Frs. Pedro of St. Elijah and Lucas had difficulty establishing a Carmelite community there.

Religious persecution in Mexico brought the Discalced Carmelites to Tucson, United States, in 1912. There, the Carmelites served twenty-two mission churches in the nearby mining towns and camps. Recognizing their dedication, Bishop Henry Granjon assigned the newly built Holy Family Church in Tucson to them. In 1915, Fr. Lucas became its first pastor.

He left the United States and returned to Barcelona upon being elected provincial of the Catalonian Province in 1924. The following year, he transferred to Rome to serve as general definitor. After completing his tenure there in 1933, he returned to Barcelona and served as prior. In 1936, he became provincial and was stationed at the Carmelite monastery in Barcelona.

Before his arrival, Spain had shifted from a monarchy to a republic. This transition followed the 1931 elections on April 12, which led to the proclamation of the Republic. As a consequence, King Alfonso XIII of the House of Bourbon left Spain to prevent a civil war, and Niceto Alcalá-Zamora assumed the presidency.

This dramatic change in government led to a wave of anti-clerical violence rooted in laicism, which aimed to secularize the country. On May 10, monarchists opened a political center in Madrid called the Independent Monarchist Circle, which was soon attacked by riots. As a result, from May 11 to 13, many churches were burned. The violence began in Madrid and spread to Seville, Cordoba, Murcia, and Malaga.

The Communist Party organized many acts of arson, which the provisional government did nothing to stop. Summing up the government’s views, the Minister of War, Manuel Azaña, declared, “All the convents of Spain are not worth the life of one Republican.”

In October, the Socialist Party won the legislative elections. Manuel Azaña became the head of State. Two months later, the Parliament passed a constitution introducing strict secular policies. These included the banning of religious orders, Catholic education, and religious cemeteries.

The Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, took power in 1936. It included the Socialist Party, Esquerra Republicana, and the Communist Party. This began a period of lawlessness, marked by unauthorized demonstrations, disregard for private property, and increased political violence. Police delegates, who were former socialist activists, conducted arbitrary arrests of right-wing politicians, dissolved rightist and monarchist groups, and heightened political unrest. This culminated in a military uprising on July 18, 1936, led by Franco and General Emilio Mola.

During that time, areas still under Republican control saw dramatic religious persecution. Republican partisans desecrated, burned, and looted churches and shrines across Spain. Furthermore, relics and statues were paraded through the streets in mock celebrations, and bodies of saints and clergy were dug up and abused. In addition, priests and religious were hunted and massacred. Notably, around 6,800 religious were murdered between 1936 and 1939, including 13 bishops. Moreover, as many as 20,000 churches were destroyed, many of them before the war started. People, especially women, were murdered for attending Mass, and anyone associated with the opposition was killed.

It was against this backdrop of violence that Bl. Lucas of St. Joseph Tristany Pujol, O.C.D., was slain with his confreres in Barcelona. Bl. Lucas was executed on July 20, 1936.

Angel Maria Prat Hostench, renowned for his spirituality and Marian piety, held the office of superior in numerous houses of the province. On July 28, 1936, Bl. Angel Prat and other religious were discovered while trying to escape persecution at the Tarrega railway station, taken to Cervera, where they were shot at dawn on July 29 for being priests and religious. With Prat were the priests Eliseo M. Maneus Besalduch, Anastasio M. Dorca Coraminas, and Eduardo M. Serrano Buf; the students Pedro M. Ferrer Martin, Andrés M. Solé Rovina, Miguel M. Soler Sala, Juan M. Puigmitjà Rubiò, and Pedro-Tomás M. Prat Colledecarrara; the lay brother Eliseo M. Fontdecaba Quiroga, recently professed; and novices José M. Escoto Ruíz and Elías M. Garre Egea. In August, after escaping her burning monastery, Carmelite nun Sister Maria del Patrocinio was shot by militia. In October and November, more Carmelites were killed following inhumane interrogations and treatment. They were Brothers Ludovico M. Ayet Canós and Angel M. Presta Batlle, Father Fernando M. Llobera Puigsech, and Eufrosino M. Raga Nadal, a sub-deacon.

Throughout this period, anti-Christian terror and persecution accompanied the socialist or Communist domination of any region until the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939 with Franco’s dictatorship.

This joint memorial for both Orders of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel commemorates their martyrs who were killed during the Spanish Civil War. This memorial includes eight groups of Carmelites, as well as a multitude of bishops, diocesan priests, religious of various orders, and lay people, who were beatified in part by Pope Benedict XVI on October 28, 2007, and in part by Pope Francis on October 13, 2013.

Prayer:

Almighty and merciful God,
who granted the priests Blesseds Angelus Mary, Luke of Saint Joseph,
and their companions
the grace of reaching the summit of Mount Carmel through martyrdom,
grant, we pray, through their intercession,
that we may always live with wisdom and zeal,
by bearing witness to the kingly majesty of Christ.

Who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

List of Carmelite Martyrs:

  • Bl. Angel Maria (Angel Prat Hostench, April 30, 1896-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Eliseo Maria (Eliseo Maneus Besalduch, December 15, 1896-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Anastasi Maria (Pere Dorca Coromina, December 30, 1907-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Eduardo Maria (Manuel Serrano Buj, December 21, 1912-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Pere Maria (Pere Ferrer Marin, June 1, 1909-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Andreu Corsino Maria (Josep Sole Rovira, January 23, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Miquel Maria (Miquel Soler Sala, March 15, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Joan Maria Puigmitja Rubio (April 16, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Pere Tomas Maria (Joan Prat Colldecarrera, August 4, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Eliseu Maria (Lluis Fontdecava Quiroga, May 12, 1891-July 29, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Jose Maria (Gabriel Escoto Ruiz, August 10, 1878-July 29, 1936) (novice, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Elias Maria (Gines Garre Egea, October 9, 1910-July 29, 1936) (novice, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Maria de Patocini de Sant Josep (Maria de Puiggracios Badia Flaquer, August 28, 1903-August 13, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Nuns of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Eufrosi Maria (Josep Lluis Raga Nadal, December 28, 1913- October 6, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Ludovico Maria (Antonio Ayet Canos, July 25, 1886-October 13, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Angel Maria (Angel Presta Batlle, February 17, 1915-October 13, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Ferran Maria Ferran Llovera Pulgesch, March 19, 1902-November 22, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Lluc of Saint Joseph (Josep Tristany Pujol, December 14, 1872-July 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Jordi of Saint Joseph (Antoni Besch Verdura, September 6, 1889-July 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Joan Josep of Jesus Crucified (Joan Pafila Monllao, August 19, 1911- July 20, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Jaime of Saint Teresa (Jaime Gascon Bordas, July 25, 1886-July 24, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Romuald of Saint Catherine (Josep Guillami Rodo, February 3, 1866-July 24, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Eduard of the Child Jesus (Ricard Farre Masip, April 3, 1897-July 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Gabriel of the Annunciation (Jaume Balcells Grau, October 12, 1908-July 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Esperanza of the Cross (Teresa Subira Sanjuame, February 27, 1875- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries)
  • Bl. Maria Refugi of Saint Angelo (Maria Roqueta Serra, April 20, 1878- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries)
  • Bl. Daniela of Saint Barnabas (Vicenta Achurra Gogenola, April 4, 1890- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries)
  • Bl. Gabriela of Saint John of the Cross (Francisca Pons Sarda, July 18, 1880- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries)
  • Marcal of Saint Anne (Josep Maria Masip Tamarit, March 2, 1914- September ?, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Antoni Maria of Jesus (Antoni Bonet Sero, March 20, 1907- September 7, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Apolonia of the Blessed Sacrament (Apolonia Lizarraga Ochoa de Zabalegui, April 18, 1867- September 8, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna)
  • Bl. Joaquim of Saint Joseph (Josep Casas Julia, December 23, 1915- September 28, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Pedro Tomas of the Virgin of the Pillar (Pedro de Alcantara de Forton de Cascajares, April 26, 1888- October 10, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Lius Maria of the Virgin of Mercy (Luis Minguel Ferrer, June 13, 1902- October 22, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Alfons of the Heart of Mary (Alfons Arimany Ferrer, May 19, 1905-October 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Jose Mariano of the Angels (Mariano Alarcon Ruiz, November 24, 1912-December 17, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Eufrasio of the Child Jesus (Eufrasio Barredo Fernandez, February 8, 1897-October 12, 1934) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Eusebio of the Child Jesus (Ovidio Fernandez Arenillas, February 21, 1888-July 22, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Clemente of the Sacred Heart (Clemente Lopez Yague, November 25, 1911-July 22, 1936) (novice, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Hermilo of Saint Eliseus (Pedro Romon Rodriguez, April 14, 1913-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Eliseo of Jesus Crucified (Esteban Cuevas Casquero, December 26, 1913-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Perfecto of the Virgin of Carmel (Perfecto Dominguez Monge, April 18, 1914-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Jose Agustin of the Blessed Sacrament (Tomas Mateos Sanchez, September 17, 1912-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Jose Maria of the Sorrowful Mother (Vicente Alamo Jimenez, August 3, 1901-July 30, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Constancio of Saint Joseph (Jose Mata Luis, August 23, 1914-July 30, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Nazario of the Sacred Heart (Nazario del Valle Gonzalez, July 28, 1901-July 31, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Pedro Jose of the Sacred Hearts (Pedro Jimenez Vallejo, February 22, 1861-July 31, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Ramon of the Virgin of Carmel (Jose Grijalvo Medel, March 29, 1896-July 31, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Daniel of the Passion (Daniel Mora Nine, February 17, 1908-July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Felix of the Virgin of Carmel (Luis Gomez de Pablo, January 9, 1912-July 31, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Placido of the Child Jesus (Jose Luis Collado Oliver, January 25, 1912-July 31, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Melchor of the Child Jesus (Melchor Martin Monge, July 18, 1914-July 31, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Tirso of Jesus Mary (Gregoria Sanchez Sancho, April 19, 1899-September 7, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Jose Maria Mateos Carballido (March 19, 1902-July 22, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Eliseo Maria (Juan Duran Cintas, November 25, 1906-July 22, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Ramon Maria Perez Sousa (August 1, 1903-July 22, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Jaime Maria Carretero Rojas (April 27, 1911-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Jose Maria Gonzalez Delgado (February 26, 1908-July 27, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Pedro Valasco Narbona (October 12, 1892-July ?, 1936) (postulant, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Antonio Maria Martin Povea (November 27, 1887-August 14, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Eliseo Maria Camargo Montes (June 4, 1887-August 18, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Jose Maria Ruiz Cardenosa (July 26, 1902-August 18, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Carmelo Maria (Crispulo Moyano Linares, June 10, 1891-September 23, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Daniel Maria (Daniel Garcia Anton, December 11, 1913-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Silvano Maria (Silvano Villaneuva Gonzalez, February 6, 1916-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Adalberto Maria (Adalberto Vicente, April 23, 1916-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Aurelio Maria (Aurelio Garcia Anton, August 14, 1916-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Francisco Maria (Francisco Perez, January 30, 1917-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Angelo Maria (Angelo Reguilon Lobato, June 1, 1917-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Bartolome Fanti Maria (Nicomedes Andres Vecilla, August 26, 1917-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Angel Maria (Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, August 2, 1918-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Alberto Maria (Francisco Marco Aleman, May 23, 1894-November 18, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance)
  • Bl. Joan of Jesus (Joan Vilaregut Farre, August 19, 1907-July 24, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Bartomeu of the Passion (Josep Olive Vivo, September 14, 1894-July 24, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Silveri of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Jaume Perucho Fontarro, March 12, 1864-August 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Francesc of the Assumption (Francesc Segala Sole, May 25, 1912-August 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Angel of Saint Joseph (Joan Fort Rius, October 10, 1896-July 25, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Vicente of the Cross (Vicente Gellen Ybanez, September 29, 1908-July 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Carles of Jesus Mary (Carles Barrufet Tost, April 9, 1888-August 12, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Julio Alameda Camarero (May 28, 1911-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education)
  • Bl. Jose Cecilio of Jesus Mary (Jose Alberich Lluch, February 7, 1865--November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Elipio of Saint Rose (Felipe Arce Fernandez, October 16, 1878--November 11, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Lluis Domino Oliva (January 11, 1892--November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education)
  • Bl. Pedro of Saint Elijah (Pedro de Eriz Eguiluz, February 22, 1877-November 11, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Damian of the Holy Trinity (Damian Rodriguez Pablo, May 18, 1896-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites)
  • Bl. Isidre Tarsa Giribets (February 3, 1866-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education)
  • Bl. Bonaventura Toldra Rodon (March 31, 1896-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education)

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Bl. María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament – April 28 – Carmelite Saints
Summary: Blessed María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (María Felicia Guggiari Echeverría), commonly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay on January 12, 1925. At the age of 16, she enthusiastically joined Catholic Action and took care of the elderly, the sick, and prisoners. This fruitful apostolic experience, supported by the daily Eucharist, resulted in her consecration to the Lord. She entered the Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, characterized by a life of dedication, deep humility, and great generosity, enveloped in a healthy joy; the motto of her life was: “I OFFER EVERYTHING TO YOU, LORD”. She died at the age of 34, accepting her illness with serenity. She was beatified on June 23, 2018, by the delegate of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B. History: María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria was born on January 12, 1925, in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, the capital of the Guairá district, Paraguay. She was the first of seven children born to the wealthy Ramón Guggiari and Arminda Echeverría. Her family called her Chiquitunga, a nickname her father gave her for her slender physique. She was baptized in Villarrica Cathedral on February 28, 1928. At five, she enrolled in preschool at the "Maria Ausiliatrice" school, where she later attended elementary school and learned the basics of the faith. Even as a child, she showed great eagerness to help the poorest and most helpless. Her mother recalls that she cared for people with limited resources who came to the house asking for bread and help. She received her First Communion on December 8, 1937. Years later, she recalled, "The memory of the happiest day of my life will never be erased from my mind, the day of the first union with my God, and the point where I take the resolution to be every day better and better." Following this important event, she began visiting Jesus daily in the Tabernacle of her parish or her school chapel, sometimes alone, other times accompanied by other children, such as Amaru, her youngest sibling. When she completed primary school in 1939–40, she paused her studies for two years to help her mother with housework. When María was sixteen, Catholic Action was restored in Paraguay. She joined the movement with enthusiasm, despite her parents' opposition, dedicating herself to it and caring for the poor and suffering. In addition, she served as a catechist for children. Her love for Catholic Action is shown in her many writings, full of enthusiasm, love, and passion for its ideals. Reflecting her devotion, she often repeated: "I want everything to be saturated with Christ and wherever it is, leave a ray of his light." Her life motto, "I offer you everything, my Lord," began all her writings. At the same time, she began what she called "the path of perfection," practicing it through intimate, constant prayer, joyful asceticism, and unconditional dedication to children, youth, the elderly, and the sick, even when her family opposed her. She met her spiritual director, Fr. Julio Cesar Duarte Ortella, in February 1941. Later that year, she continued her studies and received her Master’s Degree in 1945. During this time, she was fully involved in apostolic work. Two years after joining Catholic Action, she made her “consecration to the apostolate,” a solemn commitment to charitable activities, to which she added a promise of virginity. Drawing from the Eucharist, which she received daily, she found her source of dedication. To better focus on her studies for teaching, she attended morning Mass. The 1947 civil war caused her great hardship. Her father and brother, Federico, were deported to Posadas, Argentina, and financial difficulties soon followed, leading to her house being mortgaged. Through it all, she did not lose hope, calling on everyone to end the conflict with forgiveness and reconciliation. Eventually, Ramón Guggiari returned from exile and moved his family to the capital, Asunción, in February 1950. At twenty-five, María Felicia settled quickly in Asunción. First, she joined Catholic Action in her new parish. Next, to support her family, she resumed her studies and began teaching, first at the Perpetual Help parish school in the Barrio Obrero neighborhood, then at the school run by the Redemptorist Fathers. On April 23, she met Saua Angel, a young Catholic Action leader and a medical student about to become a doctor. She soon fell in love with him and wondered whether God was calling her to marriage, just as the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux had chosen, at first, to remain chaste. María waited with confidence for God’s will. About a year later, Saua told María he felt called to the priesthood to atone for his father’s refusal to convert. In response, María immediately offered to help him achieve his goal. To avoid his family's opposition, since his father was Muslim, Saua went to Madrid to pursue a specialization in psychiatry and continued discerning his call. He left for Europe in April 1952; by November, he had decided to enter the seminary. María was happy with his decision and soon felt called to the religious life herself. On August 20, 1952, as she passed the Spanish Hospital in Asunción, where Mother Teresa Margarita of the Sacred Heart, prioress of the first Carmelite Convent in Paraguay, was being treated. María spoke with her at length, receiving advice and encouragement. Moved by the encounter, she wrote in her diary: "I have found a mother." In January 1954, she began a course of Spiritual Exercises. During these exercises, María decided to enter Carmel. Once again, she faced opposition from her father, now joined by priests who valued her support for Catholic Action. However, her decision was final. Despite their resistance, she entered the Discalced Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, at age 30, and received the habit on August 14, 1955. Shortly before entering, she wrote her last letter to Saua: "My brother, see you in eternity!" A year later, on August 15, 1956, María professed her temporary vows and took the name Sister María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. She spent the next three years in fervent fellowship. She was known for her charity, sacrifice, and joy. On January 7, 1959, one of her sisters, "Mañica," died of infectious hepatitis. In the days that followed, María learned she had contracted the same disease and was hospitalized. On March 28, 1959, Holy Saturday, she spat blood for the first time. 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However, on April 28, 1993, she was moved to the chapel in the Carmelite Monastery, where she had lived for three years. Her beatification process began after she was named a Servant of God under Pope St. John Paul II on July 17, 1997. Subsequently, on March 27, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI declared her heroic virtues and gave her the title of "Venerable." Later, on June 23, 2018, Pope Francis beatified her, confirming her as "Blessed María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria." The beatification miracle involved a newborn, Ángel Ramón, who showed no vital signs at birth but recovered after 20 minutes following the obstetrician's prayers for María's intercession. The beatification ceremony took place at Estadio Cerro Porteño in Asunción, Paraguay, with Cardinal Angelo Amata as chief celebrant. She has been called Paraguay’s “lily” by the Catholic Church there. Many of her writings, poems, and letters still exist. Her spontaneous, simple, and yet piercing words show her living her faith as an apostle. Blessed María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria inspires with unwavering faith, selfless service, and deep love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Her memory continues to be honored by Catholics worldwide who seek her intercession and example. Prayer: Good and merciful Father, You who offer us in Blessed María Felicia a living testimony of love for your Son Jesus Christ in the joy of the beatitudes: grant us, through her intercession, to be conquered by that same love, and to offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Bl. Teresa Maria of the Cross – April 23 – Carmelite Saints
Summary: She was born at Campi Bisenzio, Florence, where in 1874 she founded the Congregation of Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa, who she also sent to Lebanon and the Holy Land. She lived joyfully, body and soul, the mystery of the Cross in full conformity to the will of God and she was outstanding for her love for the Eucharist and her maternal care for children and for the poor. She died at Campi Bisenzio on April 23, 1910. History: Blessed Teresa Maria of the Cross, also known as Bettina (childhood nickname), was born on March 2, 1846, in Campi Bisenzio, Florence, Italy. She lived her entire life in her small village. She was the daughter of Salvatore Manetti and Rosa Bigagli, and had one brother, Adamo Raffaello. She had a very difficult childhood due to the family's precarious economic circumstances following her father's premature death. She received her First Communion on May 8, 1859. From a young age, Teresa was known for her piety and devotion. Teresa possessed natural leadership skills and organizational abilities. At the age of 18, she gathered a group of young women who lived together in communal life. The group soon became exposed to the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, which they drew inspiration from, and soon enough, a devotion to her grew. They dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, penance, and charity. They cared for the sick and the poor and taught catechism to children. On July 16, 1876, Teresa organized a group of Carmelite tertiaries and took the name Teresa Maria of the Cross. Shortly thereafter, they moved into the "Conventino," a small house that became the Order's first headquarters. The young parish priest, Don Ernesto Jacopozzi, provided vital guidance and supervised Bettina's work until 1894, the year of her death. Mother Teresa did not limit herself to a purely contemplative religious life but chose to engage with the world, initiating extensive charitable work, especially in orphanages. The Congregation's success necessitated a new headquarters, and within a few years, with the help of God and the people of San Martino and beyond, Mother Teresa realized her dream of building a large convent and church (1880-1887). She deepened her commitment and consecration by joining the Discalced Carmelites on July 12, 1888. In the following years, she founded schools in several Italian cities, each staffed by a small group of Carmelite teachers. Following in the footsteps of her inspiration, Saint Teresa of Avila, Teresa of the Cross encountered challenges in her work with the poor, enduring slander, unfounded accusations, and a prolonged spiritual dryness. Yet, everyone who met her remarked on the joy and peace she brought to her work, despite these hardships. Throughout her ministry, she gave individual attention to the foundations and to the religious, with the strength of a mother who wished her daughters to be poor and detached from everything, truly tending towards God alone as they served His orphans and little ones. She herself was the servant of all. Despite her own precarious health, she was forgetful of herself as she sought to pour out joy and her smile upon all who approached her. The witnesses at the process of beatification are unanimous in declaring that everyone who met her was impressed by her trust in God and by her serene abandonment to Providence and felt himself the better person for it. As the years passed, Teresa was increasingly besieged by crowds, especially on Sundays. People of all backgrounds lined up to be heard and consoled by her. She united them with the Lord, offered wise counsel, healed ailments that defied science, read hearts, saw the future, spanned distances, and multiplied goods and money. Bishop Andrew Cassullo, who knew her well, said: “She undid herself doing good.” She lived joyfully, body and soul, the mystery of the Cross in full conformity to the will of God. Teresa Maria was outstanding for her love for the Eucharist and her maternal care for children and the poor. Her life was motivated by a consuming love for Christ and a desire to save souls. She endeavoured to live according to God’s holy will and took delight in all the crosses which came through this purpose. In a prayer, she wrote: “To suffer, to suffer, always suffer.   Do what you want with me, it’s enough that I save souls for you.” Her daily source of energy was her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Virgin Mary.  One of her great hopes was a house entirely dedicated to the perpetual adoration of the Eucharist. She realized this in Florence, where, on January 11, 1902, in the church of Corpus Domini, which she had built, the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly exposed. It was in contact with Christ that her apostolic desires increased; she exclaimed, “I should like to make all hearts into one and plunge it into the heart of Jesus.” Moreover, the love of Jesus bound her more intimately to Our Lady, whose tenderness and care for Jesus she herself wished to have. Happy to be a Carmelite, she saw in her Carmelite vocation a commitment to belong to Our Lady more deeply and to spread devotion to her. Her Institute of teaching nuns received approval from Pope St. Pius X on February 27, 1904, as the Carmelite Sisters of Saint Teresa of Florence, with a mission to teach and care for children, especially orphans. Houses eventually opened in Syria and Palestine. Today, Teresa's seed has borne fruit not only in Italy, but also in Lebanon, Israel, the Amazon, and, after the collapse of communism, in Prague, where Bettina's daughters are building a boarding school for students who go to study in the Czech capital. In 1908, Mother Teresa was struck by a terrible illness, which, despite treatment and her perseverance, led to her death on April 23, 1910, in Campi Bisenzio. Following her passing, her relics were subsequently translated to the monastery church at Campi Bisenzio on April 22, 1912. Her fame for holiness was confirmed by numerous attestations of graces and miracles. Consequently, the process of beatification began in 1930 and gained further momentum in 1938, following the miraculous healing of a Venetian nun of the Order. Subsequently, Pope Pius XII formally opened the cause on July 30, 1944, granting Manetti the title of Servant of God. Pope St. Paul VI approved her heroic virtue and declared her Venerable on May 23, 1975. Pope St. John Paul II approved a miracle attributed to her intercession on November 16, 1985.  On October 19, 1986, during his Pastoral Visit to Florence, he proclaimed Teresa Maria of the Cross Blessed. On December 7, 1999, the City Council of Campi Bisenzio proclaimed her as the City's Patron Saint, after a popular petition gathered thousands of signatures. Prayer: O God, you sustained the virgin, Blessed Teresa Mary, along the way of the cross by a most ardent love of the Eucharist, and you gave her a mother’s love for your little ones and the poor. Through her intercession, grant that, strengthened by the bread of angels, we may delight in sharing the sufferings of Christ, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through our own works of mercy. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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