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Feast Day: June 7
Blessed Urraca of Cañas, also known as Urraca Díaz I de Haro, was born into the noble Castilian family of Diego López II of Haro and Toda Pérez de Azagra. She was the niece of Queen Urraca of León. Urraca married Count Álvaro N√∫ñez de Lara in her early twenties and lived a aristocratic life. However, tragedy struck when she was widowed in 1218 at the young age of 26.
Rather than remarrying or returning to a life of power and influence, Urraca made the decision to withdraw from the world and dedicate her life to God. She entered the Cistercian order and became a nun at the Saint Maria del Salvador monastery in Cañas, La Rioja, Spain. This particular establishment had been founded by Urraca's own grandparents.
In 1222, Urraca was chosen as the abbess of the monastery, a position she held for nearly four decades. During her time as abbess, she exhibited great generosity and piety. Urraca utilized her personal family fortune to support the monastery, funding various projects for the benefit of the community. These included the construction of a Gothic church, as well as a hospital and hospice within the monastery grounds.
Blessed Urraca of Cañas was known for her personal austerity and strict adherence to the Rule of her Order. Her life of self-discipline and devotion inspired those around her, and she became a revered figure within the Cistercian community.
Urraca passed away in 1263 at the age of approximately 71, having lived a life fully dedicated to serving God and others. Her body remained miraculously incorrupt and was laid to rest in the church of the monastery of Cañas.
Although Urraca has not been formally recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, her life of holiness and exemplary service continue to inspire and uplift those who learn about her. The Cistercian community commemorates her on 7 June, recognizing her as a blessed figure within their tradition.