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Feast Day: December 10
Birth: August 5, 1847
Death: December 10, 1940
Blessed María Emilia Riquelme Y Zayas, also known as Mother María Emilia of Jesus, was born on August 5, 1847, in Granada, Spain. She came from a devout family and was the daughter of Joaquín Riquelme y Gómez and María Emilia Zayas de la Vega. From a young age, Maria showed great talent and received an excellent education, studying painting, singing, piano, and languages.
At the tender age of 7, Maria experienced a profound encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus in a vision. This encounter deeply impacted her, leading her to make a vow to devote herself to God. She consecrated herself to Our Lady of Carmel, embracing a life of faith and devotion.
Tragically, at the age of 8, Maria's mother passed away, leaving a significant void in her life. As she grew older, Maria resolved to pursue a religious vocation, but encountered resistance from her father. Despite her father's opposition, Maria remained steadfast in her commitment to religious life. She declined numerous social engagements arranged by her father and spent her time visiting hospitals and caring for the poor.
Driven by her compassion for those in need, Maria generously gave away any money she received to support young women who were at risk of falling into a life of prostitution. She also provided financial assistance to young men who felt called to the priesthood, recognizing the importance of nurturing vocations in the Church.
After her father's death in 1885, Maria attempted to enter religious life. Unfortunately, health problems prevented her from doing so. Determined to live a life of service, Maria built a chapel at her house, where she devoted herself to prayer and continued to aid the less fortunate. Her piety and charitable work attracted other like-minded women, and in time, they formed a community known as the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate.
The congregation received official approval from the archdiocese in 1896, and Mother Maria became their superior. She led the community for the remaining 44 years of her life, serving as an inspiration and guiding force. The Missionary Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate actively carry out their mission of serving others, with communities established in Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, and the United States.
Blessed María Emilia Riquelme Y Zayas passed away on December 10, 1940, in Granada, Spain, due to natural causes. Her exemplary life of virtue and holiness was recognized by Pope Francis on December 14, 2015, when she was declared Venerable. On November 9, 2019, Pope Francis officially beatified her during a ceremony held at the Cathedral of Encarnación in Granada, with Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu presiding as the chief celebrant.
Today, the life and legacy of Blessed María Emilia Riquelme Y Zayas continue to inspire countless individuals, particularly through the compassionate work of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate. Her heroism, dedication to prayer, and selfless service remain a testament to the transformative power of faith and love.