Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Mariana, Patron Saint of Jesuits and Franciscan | May 28

Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Mariana, Patron Saint of Jesuits and Franciscan | May 28 Our saint today, St. Mariana, is called the “Lily of Quito.” We shall discover here how she became the flower of Quito and its beloved patroness. St. Mariana was born Maria de Paredes Flores y Granobles y Jaramillo in the city of Quito, then part of the Viceroy of Peru, on October 31, 1618 to noble parents. She was the youngest of eight children and her birth was extraordinary. On the night she was born, glimmering above their house, there appeared a cascade of stars in the shape of a palm leaf, reminiscent of the blessed star above the stable in Bethlehem. It was as if God was indicating that the new born baby had angelic qualities. In fact, she was not an ordinary child. It is said that during her babyhood she already started to fast. She was taking nourishment from her mother’s milk only two times a day. Her mother tried everything to make her interested in sucking milk for her nourishment, but to no avail. At the age of four her mother died and she was raised by her sister, Jeronima and her husband. Even at a young age, Mariana was inclined to a life of prayer, solitude and ascetical life. She also gave little time to play with her cousins, but they were religious games like preparing an altar for Mass, praying before an improvised altar, etc.  Her sister and brother-in-law allowed her to live in seclusion in their house and in order not to attract the criticism of their neighbors and friends for the kind of life she was living, they suggested that she enter a religious convent. But something went wrong when she applied, as if to indicate that she was not meant for convent life. Mariana asked the advice of her confessor who suggested to the family that she be allowed to continue living in seclusion in their house. Deep in her heart, it was what Mariana wished she should live. Many people were shocked to see her receiving Communion daily at a very young age. The priest who allowed her was reported to the Bishop, but in the end, the wish of Mariana prevailed. Mariana suffered so much due to the gossip of the people, but she offered everything to imitate the suffering Jesus. Mariana wore the habit of a Jesuit and also the cord and scapular of the Franciscan Third Order. Her confessor decided that she spend five hours of prayer and spiritual reading daily, one hour for weaving and sewing, to earn something, and to rest for four hours. The money earned from her work was given to the poor. She also spent time in works of mercy. Mariana founded the first free clinic in Quito and a kindergarten for the Indian and African children. She gave special attention to these children, bathed, clothed, fed them, and took good care when they were ill. She taught them how to read and write and to play the flute and the guitar. Mariana offered also her life for the salvation of her country. When an earthquake, followed by an epidemic, shook Quito in 1645, she offered herself publicly as a victim for the salvation of her city. God accepted the sacrifice. The epidemic abated and she died on May 26. Her funeral and burial took place in the church of the Jesuits. But both Jesuits and Franciscans claim her as their saint. She was beatified by Pope Pius IX on November 10, 1853 and canonized by Pius XII on July 9, 1950. She is venerated in the Church of the Society of Jesus in Quito. Her feast day is on May 28. Virtue: faith, humility, chastity, charity, innocence, integrity, honesty, generosity and commitment Prayer: “Lord God, grant us the necessary graces to imitate the virtues of St. Mariana.