St. Mariana was born in Quito, Ecuador, in 1618, and lost her parents as a child; subsequently she was raised by her older sister and her husband. Under the direction of her Jesuit confessor, she became a solitary in her sister’s home and devoutly fasted and prayed for years. Often called “the lily of Quito,” she is the patron saint of Ecuador, sickness, and those whose parents have passed away. During the 1645 earthquake and epidemics in Quito, Mariana is said to have offered herself as a victim for the city; she died shortly after that declaration. St. Mariana is the first person to be canonized from Ecuador.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you deal with grief and loss in your life? How can you lean on your faith during times of loss?
- What can you do to help the people in your life who are dealing with the loss of loved ones?