Blessed Maria Angeles Of Saint Joseph

Biography

Blessed Maria Angeles Of Saint Joseph, also known as Marciana Valtierra Tordesillas, was born on 6 March 1905 in Getafe, Madrid, Spain. She was the youngest of eleven children of Manual and Lorenza Valtierra, but unfortunately, six of her siblings died during childhood. Tragically, Marciana lost her mother when she was only three years old. Following this heartbreaking event, she found solace and comfort in dedicating herself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who became her new mother.

Even from a young age, Marciana displayed great piety and devotion to her faith. She developed a routine of attending daily Mass, praying the rosary, and spending hours in Eucharistic adoration. These spiritual practices became the foundation of her life, shaping her future path towards a religious vocation.

Marciana's deep commitment to her faith led her to collaborate with Father Juan Vicente of Jesus and Mary on various religious projects, including their work together on the magazine La Obra Máxima (The Ultimate Work). Through these endeavors, she sought to spread the message of Christ and promote devotion to the Catholic Church.

Despite her strong desire to enter religious life, Marciana was unable to do so immediately due to the responsibilities she had towards her father and other family members. However, on 14 July 1929, she finally realized her calling and joined the Discalced Carmelites at the Carmel of San José de Guadalajara. Taking on the name María Angeles of Saint Joseph, she embraced the contemplative life of a Carmelite nun.

María Angeles was known for her profound spiritual wisdom and her unwavering dedication to the religious life. She lived in the cloistered Carmelite monastery, devoting herself to prayer, contemplation, and self-sacrifice, as outlined by the teachings of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross.

Tragically, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War introduced a period of great turmoil and violence to the country. On 24 July 1936, María Angeles, along with several other members of her community, became victims of this conflict. Shot and stabbed on the street by Communists, she embraced her martyrdom, remaining faithful to her beliefs until the end.

Recognizing her heroic virtuous life and sacrificial death, Pope John Paul II declared María Angeles Valtierra Tordesillas as a martyr on 22 March 1986. Her beatification followed on 29 March 1987, further affirming her sanctity and offering her as an inspiring example within the Catholic Church.

Today, Blessed Maria Angeles Of Saint Joseph is remembered for her exceptional piety, her courage in the face of persecution, and her unwavering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Carmelite order. She serves as a powerful intercessor and role model, inspiring faithful Catholics to embrace a life of prayer, love, and self-sacrifice.