Saint of the Month - September 2015: Blessed Maria (Lopez y Rivas) of Jesus

Bl. Maria (Lopez y Rivas) of Jesus

Strength in Meekness

Memorial: September 13th

Born in Tartanedo (Guadalajara), Spain, this Blessed first saw the light of day on Aug. 18, 1560. When still a young child, Maria Lopez y Rivas lost both parents and was raised by her paternal grandparents. She was recorded as being highly intelligent and devout, even from her childhood, and was fortunate to have a wise confessor who expertly guided her on her quest for personal holiness.

At age 17, despite frail health, Maria applied with the Discalced Carmelites, via the illustrious founder of the Order - St. Teresa of Avila (d. 1582).  Apparently, St. Teresa sensed something uniquely special about the young maiden, since she immediately accepted her for the monastery of Toledo, where she entered as "Sr. Maria of Jesus" in August, 1577.  It wasn't a smooth transition, though.

Seeing the delicate constitution of the new novice, a debate arose within the convent as to whether or not Sr. Maria should remain with them.  The controversy escalated to the point where St. Teresa, herself, had to intervene by writing a letter that read, "Think well about what you are doing, because if you do not admit Sr. Maria of Jesus to profession, I shall have her come to Avila; and the monastery that will have her will be the most fortunate of all. On my part, I would like to have her always with me in my monastery, even if she had to stay in bed all her life."  After being so strongly supported by their very own founder, how could they turn the young novice away?  Sr. Maria of Jesus was professed with the Discalced Carmelites on September 8, 1578, and thus began her long and fruitful spiritual career as a nun.

An artistic rendering of St. Teresa
(seated) conferring with Bl. Maria

St. Teresa's letter proved to be highly prophetic... from age 23, Sr. Maria of Jesus successively held various important posts during her lifetime - Mistress of Novices, Sub-Prioress, and eventually Prioress; offices that she fulfilled admirably despite her poor health and the fact that she was often caught up in deep mystical raptures. She had a profound love for the Blessed Sacrament, and for the crucified image of Our Lord. During one of her sublime ecstasies, Sr. Maria begged Jesus to allow her a taste of His bitter Passion and He saw fit to bestow on her the Sacred Stigmata, along with an invisible crown of thorns, the pain of which she felt for the rest of her life.

Sr. Maria's fame of sanctity spread beyond the convent walls and many came to her for prayers and advice, including St. Teresa of Avila, who continued to remain one of her closest friends and supporter.  In fact, St. Teresa trusted her so much, she asked her to proofread her manuscript for the spiritual classic, "The Interior Castle".  The Saint referred to Sr. Maria of Jesus as her "little scholar"... and she once stated, "Mary of Jesus not only will be a saint, but she is one already."  Such was the high regard St. Teresa of Avila held towards her protege.

Sr. Maria of Jesus, on her part, did not disappoint St. Teresa; she modeled her leadership of the Toledo monastery after the excellent example and lessons she learned from the holy founder.  She, herself, was a capable Prioress and a worthy role-model for her sisters in Carmel.

"If you have to go on living, it is because

you have to live for others.  As for taking

rest, eternity awaits you."

~ Words of Bl. Maria of Jesus

Despite the admiration she received from many in her 63 years as a nun, Sr. Maria's life was not without trials.  Her virtues were especially tested during a long, dark period in her life when she was slandered by another nun and deposed as the Prioress in the year 1600.  Furthermore, she was treated with suspicion by the other nuns and by the Provincial of the Discalced Carmelites.  It was a painful trial that lasted nearly 20 years, but her unwavering faith and humility, and her emulation of Christ Crucified, gave her the strength and the peace to bear her moral and physical sufferings with a patience that was truly remarkable.  In the end, Sr. Maria of Jesus persevered and was vindicated; holding no resentment towards those who wronged her.

The tomb-shrine of Bl. Maria of Jesus in

the chapel of the Discalced Carmelites in

Toledo.  Her body is incorrupt.

Sr. Maria’s life ended peacefully on September 13, 1640; she was 80-years-old.  Her sanctity was further confirmed by a supernatural fragrance of flowers that surrounded her virginal body in death, and which was again detected when her corpse was exhumed and discovered mysteriously incorrupt and flexible years later.  The Church Beatified this valiant holy woman in 1976, raising her up as one of the many shining stars that now brightens the Carmelite Order.  May she be for us an inspirational model of perseverance in our own personal trials.

A Reflection
In the face of trials and obstacles, let us follow the example of the Saints - have Faith, be Prayerful, and maintain Silence.  All shall be well.

A Short Prayer

Lord, fill us with Patience and Humility in our moments of trial and darkness.  Like Bl. Maria of Jesus, may we also exercise the Faith and Fortitude necessary to peacefully see our challenges through.  Amen.

"... it is a great crime not to have trust

in God.  He is omnipotent!"

~ Words of Bl. Maria of Jesus