Blessed Vicenta Chávez Orozco

Biography

Blessed Vicenta Chávez Orozco, also known as María Vicenta of Saint Dorothy or María Vicenta of Saint Dorothy Chávez Orozco, was born on 6 February 1867 in Cotija, Michoacan, Mexico. She was the youngest of four children and grew up in Mexicaltzingo, a neighborhood inhabited by poor and unskilled workers. From a young age, Vicenta was known for her piety and devotion to the Infant Jesus. She would often make little altars and gather other children to pray with her.

In her local parish, Vicenta encountered Father Agustin Beas, a priest devoted to serving the infirm poor. Father Beas set up a small hospital called Holy Trinity Hospital in his rectory, where six beds were made available for the sick. Inspired by this act of charity, Vicenta entered the hospital on 20 February 1892 when she herself became ill with pleurisy. During her time there, she received a profound calling to dedicate her life to God through serving the poor and the sick.

By 10 July 1892, Vicenta had recovered from her illness and returned to the hospital, embarking on her life of charity. In 1895, she took private vows, committing herself to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. On 12 May 1905, she founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Poor, which would later be renamed the Servants of the Holy Trinity and the Poor. With her canonical profession in 1911, she was named Superior General of the congregation in 1913.

Throughout her service as Superior General, spanning 30 years, Blessed Vicenta lived a fervent life of prayer. She saw obedience as the greatest form of sacrifice, leading by example and guiding her fellow sisters in their mission of compassion and care for the sick and impoverished. Her commitment to her vocation and her tireless efforts earned her the respect and admiration of her community.

In 1914, the Mexican Revolution brought great challenges to the Church. Carranza's troops commandeered the cathedral of Guadalajara and imprisoned many priests and religious individuals, including Maria-Vicenta and the Servants of the Holy Trinity and the Poor. Despite these hardships, the Servants remained undeterred, continuing their service in the face of danger. During this time, Saint Vincent's Hospital in Zapotlan, Mexico, was even turned into a military headquarters. Yet, the Servants, undeterred, cared for the wounded and ensured that they received sacraments and spiritual support.

The faith and hard work of the Servants began to bear fruit over the years, leading to abundant vocations and the establishment of 17 new hospitals, clinics, and nurseries. Blessed Vicenta's leadership and unwavering devotion shaped the congregation and helped it grow in its mission to alleviate the suffering of the marginalized.

As she grew older, Mother Vicentita, as she was affectionately known, began to face health issues, including problems with her eyesight. However, she remained steadfast in her commitment to prayer. Despite her declining health, she would still be the first one in the chapel each morning at 4:00. But on 29 July 1949, she did not appear. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the chaplain anointed her, and Archbishop Jose Garibi Rivera, the first Cardinal from Mexico, heard her confession and celebrated Mass. During the elevation of the Host, Mother Vicentita peacefully passed away, likened to a baby falling asleep.

Blessed Vicenta Chávez Orozco, through her compassionate service to the poor and the sick, lived a life of heroic virtue. Her selfless dedication to God in the person of those in need exemplified the teachings of Christ and continues to inspire others to this day. Pope John Paul II recognized her exceptional life by declaring her venerable on 21 December 1991. She was further honored by Pope John Paul II, who beatified her on 9 November 1997, acknowledging her as a Blessed within the Catholic Church.