Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso
Mexican foundress of the Guadalupan Handmaids of Christ the Priest, dedicated to the spiritual and material support of priests.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth, illness, and vocation of María de Jesús Guízar Barragán in Mexico.
María de Jesús Guízar Barragán was born on November 11, 1899, in Cotija de la Paz, Mexico, into a family of sixteen children. She was the niece of Saint Rafael Guízar y Valencia. At the age of 15, while gravely ill, she promised to dedicate herself to God if she recovered. During the Cristero persecution in the 1920s, she hid priests at the risk of her own life. After having to leave the Teresian Institute for health reasons, she made private vows of virginity and service to the poor, while also caring for her siblings after the death of their parents.
Life and work
Foundation of the Guadalupan Servants of Christ the Priest for the support of priests.
Maria de Jesús felt a pressing call to support elderly, sick, or persecuted priests. In 1960, she settled in Tulpetlac to take care of the sanctuary of the Fifth Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On July 26, 1961, she founded the institute of the Legionarias de la Fe, later renamed Siervas Guadalupanas de Cristo Sacerdote (Guadalupan Servants of Christ the Priest), with the blessing of her brother, Msgr. Luis Guízar Barragán. She made her first vows that day, and then her perpetual vows in 1971 before her nephew, Msgr. Ricardo Guízar Díaz. The congregation is dedicated to the service of priests in various ministries.
Path to holiness
Death of the foundress and opening of her cause for canonization.
Maria de Jesús passed away on January 6, 1973, in Tulpetlac at the age of 73, where she is buried. Her cause for canonization was officially opened on July 16, 1997, in the Cathedral of San Cristóbal Ecatepec. The diocesan inquiry closed on November 11, 1999, the day of the centenary of her birth, and its legal validity was recognized by the Vatican on October 25, 2002.
Beatification and canonization
Recognition of heroic virtues by Pope Francis.
On June 14, 2016, Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing her heroic virtues, thereby declaring her venerable.
Spirituality and legacy
Reparatory spirituality of 'Madre Chuy' and international expansion of her work.
Nicknamed 'Madre Chuy', she developed a priestly and reparatory spirituality, offering her prayers for priests. Her legacy continues through her congregation, which has expanded beyond Mexico, notably into Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Uganda, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Frequently asked questions about Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso
Who was Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso?
Mexican foundress of the Guadalupan Handmaids of Christ the Priest, dedicated to the spiritual and material support of priests.
What is Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso the patron saint of?
Patronage of Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso: les prêtres, priests, les prêtres âgés et malades and elderly and sick priests.
Which saints were contemporaries of Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso?
Contemporaries include: Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Felipe de Jesús Munárriz and 50 companions, Mariano de Jesús Euse Hoyos and Teresa of Jesus of the Andes.
When did Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso die?
Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso died around 1973.
What are the other names of Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso?
Other forms of the name: María de Jesús Guízar Barragán, Madre Chuy and Madre Chui.
Who are the relatives of Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso?
Relatives of Maria di Gesù dell'Amore Misericordioso: Saint Rafael Guízar y Valencia (uncle), Mgr Luis Guízar Barragán (brother) and Mgr Ricardo Guízar Díaz (nephew).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1899-1973
- Decree of venerability by Francis
Quotes
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My daughters, there are already schools and hospitals run by nuns, but for the priests who have given their lives to the service of God, who will look after them?
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To serve and follow Jesus in His Priests
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