Saint Mariana de Jesús | The Lily of Quito | Feast Day May 26th
Born in **Quito, Ecuador in 1618, Saint Mariana de Jesús de Paredes became known for her extraordinary prayer life, charity, and self-sacrifice. She lived as a laywoman dedicated completely to God and practiced intense devotion, penance, and care for others. She became affectionately known as: “The Lily of Quito” Tradition says she offered her life to God for the protection of her city during times of disaster and illness. Her holiness deeply inspired the people around her, even though she lived a quiet and hidden life. She is remembered for: Deep prayer and devotion Sacrificial love Purity and holiness Trust in God Saint Mariana reminds us: holiness can grow quietly prayer and sacrifice have powerful impact Saint Mariana de Jesús de Paredes, pray for us. Feast Day: May 26 The Lily of Quito Patroness of Ecuador
St Joseph's Corner
Lily of Quito
Mariana de Paredes y Flores
Mariana de Paredes
Mariana of Jesus
Mariana of Quito
Mary-Ann de Paredes
Memorial
26 May
Profile
Daughter of Don Girolamo Flores Zenel de Paredes, a nobleman of Toledo, and Doña Mariana Cranobles de Xaramilo; her birth was accompanied by unusual celestial phenomena. Orphaned very young, she was raised by her older sister and her husband. Mary Ann was a pious child with a devotion to Mary. She was miraculously saved from death several times.
Attracted to religious life at an early age, at ten she made vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She initially wanted to be a Dominican nun, but instead became a hermit in home of her sister. Her life changed at that point, and except to attend church, she never left the house again. Given to severe austerities, she slept little, and ate an ounce of dry bread every eight or ten days, surviving solely on the Eucharist which she received during daily Communion. Given to ecstacies; had gifts of prophecy, remote viewing, reading of hearts, healing by making the Sign of the Cross or sprinkling with holy water, and at least once restored a dead person to life.
During a series of earthquakes in 1645, and inevitable epidemics that followed them, in Quito, Ecuador she publicly offered herself as a victim for the city and died shortly after. Immediately after her death there blossomed a pure white lily from her blood. The Republic of Ecuador has declared her a national heroine.
Born
31 October 1618 at Quito, Ecuador
Died
26 May 1645 at Quito, Ecuador
Venerated
19 March 1776 by Pope Pius VI (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
20 November 1853 by Pope Pius IX
Canonized
9 July 1950 by Pope Pius XII
Patronage
against bodily ills
against sickness
Americas
loss of parents
people rejected by religious orders
sick people
Representation
lily, in reference to one that grew from her spilled blood
skull, a reference to her rejection of the world