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Feast Day: August 27
Birth: July 27, 1906
Death: August 27, 1945
Blessed Maria Pilar Izquierdo Albero, also known as Blessed María Pilar, was born on 27 July 1906 in Zaragoza, Spain. She was the third of five children born into a poor family. Maria was known from a young age for her deep love of God and her desire to serve those less fortunate than herself.
To support her family, Maria began working at a shoe factory as a young woman. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 1926 when she fell from a streetcar and fractured her hip. The following year, she developed cysts that not only paralyzed her but also caused her to lose her vision. From that point on, Maria's life was marked by years of medical treatment and constantly shuttling between hospitals and her room in the attic.
During her time in enforced isolation, Maria dedicated herself to prayer and supporting people's faith during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War. In addition, she sought ways to bring acts of mercy into the world despite her physical limitations.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 1939, Maria experienced a miraculous healing. She was suddenly freed from the cysts, paralysis, and vision problems that had confounded her for years. Eager to respond to this divine intervention, Maria and a group of like-minded individuals relocated to Madrid, Spain, with the intent of starting an apostolate to help the poor.
Maria received diocesan approval to establish the Missionaries of Jesus and Mary, but due to operational difficulties, the mission was dissolved. Undeterred, she persevered and in 1942 received diocesan approval to start anew. This time, she founded the Pious Union of Missionaries of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. However, her health began to deteriorate again just two years into the work, and she was eventually forced out of leadership. In 1944, Maria withdrew from the Union entirely.
Blessed Maria Pilar Izquierdo Albero passed away on 27 August 1945 in San Sebastian, Guip√∫zcoa, Spain, due to natural causes. However, the work she started continued to flourish. In 1948, the Union she established received diocesan approval under the name Missionary Work of Jesus and Mary. Today, the Missionary Work of Jesus and Mary operates in 24 houses across Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Italy, Mozambique, and Indonesia.
Recognizing her extraordinary virtues, Pope John Paul II declared the heroic virtues of Maria Pilar Izquierdo Albero on 18 December 2000. She was beatified by the same pope on 4 November 2001, becoming Blessed Maria Pilar Izquierdo Albero, an inspirational figure of faith, resilience, and selfless service to those in need. Her feast day is celebrated on 27 August.