Vicenta Guilarte Alonso

In 1911, the foundress, Saint Candida Maria de Jesus, responded favorably to the request of the Bishop of Goiás in Brazil to found a college there. Sister Vicenta was chosen to be part of the congregation's first missionary expedition outside of Spain, composed of six nuns. The group left the port of Cádiz on October 3, 1911, and arrived at the port of Santos in Brazil on October 18, 1911. After an arduous journey by train, then on horseback through the forest under the guidance of Father Bruno Alberdi, they reached their destination, Pirenópolis, on November 7, 1911. They immediately opened the "Colégio Imaculada" (College of the Immaculate) there. Sister Vicenta devoted herself with dedication to the education of poor children and also taught in the local public school. She also served as second councilor and bursar of the community from 1911 to 1927. In 1927, she was transferred to Leopoldina, in the state of Minas Gerais. Although she had held responsibilities as vice-superior, she was entrusted with the humble task of doorkeeper and sacristan of the "Colégio Imaculada Conceição." She accepted this situation with profound humility and serene joy, without ever complaining, which greatly edified her fellow sisters. She held this position in an exemplary manner for thirty-three years, until her death. Sister Vicenta passed away on July 6, 1960, in Leopoldina, at the age of 81, following a fall that had caused a fracture of the femur.

During her lifetime, Sister Vicenta enjoyed a solid reputation for holiness. The inhabitants of Leopoldina, the students, the families, and the priests affectionately called her the "santinha do colégio" (the little saint of the college). The resolution of many difficulties was attributed to her prayers. Upon the announcement of her death, immense emotion gripped the city of Leopoldina. Her funeral was presided over by the diocesan bishop, Msgr. Delfim Ribeiro, surrounded by all the local clergy. During the funeral, the mayor of the city declared to the nuns: "Mother Vicenta was not only yours, she was a heritage of Leopoldina." In order to allow the faithful to pay their respects more easily, her remains were transferred to the Cathedral of São Sebastião in Leopoldina, where she rests near the main door.

The cause for the beatification and canonization of Sister Vicenta Guilarte Alonso was introduced in the Diocese of Leopoldina. After the diocesan inquiry, the file was transmitted to Rome, to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. On June 20, 2024, during an audience granted to Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Vicenta Guilarte Alonso, thereby officially conferring upon her the title of Venerable. For her beatification to be pronounced, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession is required.

The spirituality of the Venerable Vicenta Guilarte Alonso is characterized by heroic obedience, joyful humility, and a preferential love for the most destitute. She liked to repeat: "To reach a high degree of love, it is not necessary to do extraordinary things: purity of intention, intimate union with the Heart of Jesus... and love will do the rest!". Her daily life at the porter's lodge of the Leopoldina college became a true ministry of welcome and listening. There, she received with the same kindness the poor of the city, the students, the families, but also the seminarians and priests who came to seek comfort and spiritual advice from her. Her deep faith was nourished by assiduous prayer, constant Eucharistic adoration, and a tender devotion to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Today, her spiritual legacy remains alive within the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus and in the diocese of Leopoldina, which continues to venerate her as a model of simple and accessible holiness.