No image available
Feast Day: July 7
Birth: January 13, 1902
Death: July 7, 1977
Blessed María Romero Meneses, also known as the female John Bosco and the Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, was a remarkable Catholic figure and the Social Apostle of Costa Rica. She was born on 13 January 1902 in Granada, Nicaragua, the daughter of a wealthy government minister. María was raised in an affluent upper-class family and received her education from private tutors and at the local Salesian Sisters' school.
From a young age, María exhibited great talent and a thirst for knowledge. She was proficient in playing the piano and violin, had a passion for drawing, and had a strong desire to learn. However, at the age of twelve, María became gravely ill with rheumatic fever. She endured six months of paralysis and her heart sustained permanent damage. Miraculously, it was during her illness that she experienced an intercession and apparition of Our Lady, Help of Christians. In this vision, María understood her calling to become a Salesian sister.
On 8 December 1915, María joined the Marian Association's Daughters of Mary. This marked the beginning of her journey to consecrated life. In 1920, she became a member of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, and on 6 January 1929, in Nicaragua, María made her final profession as a Salesian. Shortly after, she was transferred to San Jose, Costa Rica, in 1931.
Throughout her time in Costa Rica, María dedicated herself to various charitable works and educational endeavors. She taught music, drawing, and typing to affluent school girls while also training catechists and teaching trades to the less fortunate. Her passion for teaching and her radiant faith inspired many of her students to follow in her footsteps and devote themselves to serving the poor and abandoned.
Maria's ministry expanded as she developed an expertise in fundraising and guided the wealthy on practical ways to channel their charity towards the less fortunate. In 1945, she began setting up recreational centers, and in 1953, she established food distribution centers. Recognizing the importance of education, María opened a school for disadvantaged girls in 1961. Moreover, in 1966, she spearheaded the creation of a clinic staffed by volunteer doctors, ensuring accessible healthcare for those who could not afford it.
In 1973, María orchestrated the construction of seven homes, which became the foundation of the village of Centro San Jose. This community aimed to provide decent housing to underprivileged families. Known for her exceptional skills as a teacher, manager, and fundraiser, María was admired for her ability to bring God to people on an individual level, fostering both love for the Eucharist and promoting social improvement.
On 7 July 1977, María Romero Meneses passed away in Las Peñitas, León, Nicaragua, at the age of 75. The cause of her death was a heart attack. Her remarkable life, dedicated to the service of God and people, did not go unnoticed. On 18 December 2000, Pope John Paul II recognized her heroic virtues, declaring her venerable. Later, on 14 April 2002, Pope John Paul II beatified María Romero Meneses, acknowledging her as a blessed figure of the Catholic Church.
Blessed María Romero Meneses's story continues to inspire countless individuals to work tirelessly for the betterment of society and to follow her example of profound faith, love, and devotion to God.