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Feast Day: July 16
Birth: December 12, 1916
Death: July 1, 16
Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri Fernández de Heredia, also known as María Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri Fernández de Heredia, was born on 12 December 1916 in Madrid, Spain. She was the youngest of four children born to Manuel Ortiz de Landázuri, a career army officer, and Eulogia Fernández-Heredia. Guadalupe's father's assignments frequently led the family to move between locations in Spain and Morocco.
In June 1933, Guadalupe began studying chemistry at the Universidad Central de Madrid. Despite being one of only five women in her class, she distinguished herself as a friendly and dedicated student. Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, several of Guadalupe's family members were lost to firing squads.
After completing her studies, Guadalupe started working as a teacher in Madrid in 1939. However, she felt a calling to a more religious life and joined Opus Dei in 1944. She was brought into the group by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei. Guadalupe developed a deep devotion to Eucharistic Adoration, finding solace and strength in spending time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
In 1950, Guadalupe was assigned by Father Josemaría to help introduce Opus Dei in Mexico. While there, she not only continued her studies, working towards a doctorate in chemistry, but also teamed up with a physician friend to establish a mobile clinic. They went door to door in poor neighborhoods, providing medical treatment to those who couldn't afford it.
In 1956, Guadalupe moved to Rome, Italy, to work in the administration of Opus Dei. Unfortunately, her deteriorating heart condition forced her to return to Madrid for surgery, resulting in her staying close to there for the rest of her life for ongoing treatment.
Despite the health challenges she faced, Guadalupe persisted in her work and education. She received her doctorate in chemistry on 8 July 1965 while continuing to serve as an administrator at the Ramiro de Maeztu Institute and Women's School for Industrial Sciences. Additionally, Guadalupe played a crucial role in planning and establishing the Center of Studies and Research of Domestic Sciences, all the while working for the spread and strengthening of Opus Dei.
Guadalupe's heart condition eventually took its toll, slowly deteriorating her health. However, she continued to work as long as possible, never losing her spirit and dedication. On 16 July 1975, at 6:30am, Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri Fernández de Heredia passed away in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain, due to natural causes.
Her profound holiness and exemplary life led to her being venerated on 4 May 2017 by Pope Francis, who decreed her heroic virtues. Then, on 18 May 2019, she was beatified by Pope Francis in a ceremony held at the Palacio Vistalegre Arena in Carabanchel, Madrid. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu presided over the beatification recognition. The miracle recognized for her beatification involved the healing of a cancer patient.
Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri Fernández de Heredia remains an inspiration for her unwavering dedication to her faith, her commitment to serving others, and her deep love for God and the Blessed Sacrament. Her beatification is a testament to her holy life and serves as an invitation for others to follow in her footsteps.