Blessed Ana Julia Duque Heckner

Biography

Blessed Ana Julia Duque Heckner, also known as Sister María Berenice or María Berenice Duque Hencker, was a Colombian Catholic nun and the founder of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Annunciation. She was born on August 14, 1898, in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia.

From a young age, Ana Julia had a deep devotion to God and felt a calling to serve others. She entered religious life and became a member of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, taking the religious name Sister María Berenice. Inspired by the Virgin Mary's "yes" to the angel Gabriel, Ana Julia founded the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Annunciation on February 25, 1939, in Cali, Colombia. The congregation's charism was centered on the virtues of humility, simplicity, and obedience.

Mother María Berenice dedicated her life to the service of the poor, marginalized, and abandoned. She believed in the importance of education and worked tirelessly to establish schools, orphanages, and healthcare centers to improve the lives of the disadvantaged in Colombia. Additionally, she actively promoted family values and supported the spiritual growth of the community through catechesis and pastoral care.

Throughout her life, Mother María Berenice faced many hardships and challenges, but she remained steadfast in her faith and trust in God. Her loving presence, compassionate heart, and selfless dedication earned her the admiration and respect of those who knew her.

Blessed Ana Julia Duque Heckner passed away on July 25, 1993, in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, at the age of 94, due to natural causes. Her exemplary life of heroic virtues and her commitment to serving the least fortunate made her widely revered among the faithful.

Recognizing her sanctity and the impact of her works, Pope Francis declared the veneration of Blessed Ana Julia Duque Heckner on February 12, 2019, through a decree of heroic virtues. Later, on October 29, 2022, Pope Francis beatified her, signifying her blessedness and offering her as an example of holiness for the universal Church. The beatification ceremony took place at the Cathedral of La Inmaculada Concepción de María in Medellín, Colombia, presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro.

Blessed Ana Julia Duque Heckner's life continues to inspire many, and her congregation, the Little Sisters of the Annunciation, carries forward her mission to bring God's love and mercy to those in need.