Blessed Maria Angela Astorch

Biography

Blessed Maria Angela Astorch, also known as Jerónima María Astorch, Jerónima María Cortey, and Jerónima Maria Agnese, was born on 1 September 1592 in Barcelona, Spain. She was raised in a devoutly religious family and grew up with a deep sense of piety.

At the age of 11, Maria Angela experienced a profound calling to dedicate her life to God. Inspired by the example of the Poor Clare Capuchin nuns, she joined the Order on 16 September 1603 in Barcelona. Maria Angela's commitment to her religious vocation was unwavering, and she made her religious profession on 8 September 1609.

Maria Angela quickly distinguished herself in the Order, demonstrating exceptional piety and dedication. Her spiritual gifts and wisdom were recognized, and she was entrusted with the role of novice mistress and director of formation. She nurtured and guided numerous young women in their journey towards religious life.

Driven by her deep sense of devotion, Maria Angela felt a strong calling to establish new monasteries where she could foster a contemplative life devoted to prayer and spiritual growth. On 9 May 1614, with the support of her fellow sisters, she founded a monastery in Zaragoza, Spain. This establishment flourished under her leadership, and Maria Angela was appointed Abbess in 1627.

Despite her numerous responsibilities, Maria Angela dedicated her spare time to studying the sacred texts and the writings of the great Church writers. Her diligent efforts led her to gain a profound understanding of the Breviary, the schedule of prayers and hymns recited each day. Maria Angela's insights into the Breviary were revered by her fellow nuns and those who sought her spiritual guidance.

Mary Angela Astorch was also blessed with extraordinary mystical experiences. She had the remarkable ability to see and communicate with her guardian angel, who she deeply cherished as a spiritual companion. Through her visions and mystical encounters, Maria Angela gained further insight into the divine mysteries and grew even closer to God.

In the pursuit of her calling to establish additional monasteries, Maria Angela founded a new convent in Murcia, Spain, on 2 June 1645. She served as the abbess of this community until 1661, overseeing the spiritual growth of the sisters and nurturing a thriving contemplative life.

Blessed Maria Angela Astorch was widely respected for her holiness and revered as a true mystic and visionary. Her profound connection to the divine, coupled with her extensive knowledge of the Breviary, inspired others to deepen their spiritual lives and embrace a contemplative path.

After a life dedicated to prayer, spiritual guidance, and the establishment of monasteries, Blessed Maria Angela Astorch passed away on 2 December 1665 in Murcia, Spain. Her body, miraculously preserved from decay, was found to be incorrupt. Unfortunately, her relics were damaged during the Spanish Civil War, but her memory endured.

Recognizing her heroic virtues, Pope Blessed Pius IX declared her venerable on 29 September 1850. Later, on 23 May 1982, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II, who acknowledged her sanctity and the impact of her spiritual teachings on the faithful.

Blessed Maria Angela Astorch continues to inspire individuals to deepen their spiritual lives, embrace a contemplative path, and seek a profound understanding of the Breviary. Her life serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, prayer, and unwavering devotion to God.