Blessed Elvira Moragas Cantarero

Biography

Blessed Elvira Moragas Cantarero, also known as Sister María Sagrario of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, was born on 8 January 1881 in Lillo, Toledo, Spain. She was the daughter of a pharmacist and grew up in a devout Catholic family.

From a young age, Elvira displayed exceptional intellect and was an outstanding student. In 1900, she became the only woman admitted to the pharmacy school of the prestigious University of Madrid. Her dedication and hard work earned her the distinction of being the sole female student in her class.

Tragically, in 1909, Elvira's father passed away, leaving the responsibility of the family business on her shoulders. Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her family, she took over the pharmacy and worked tirelessly to support her loved ones. Despite the challenges she faced, Elvira remained steadfast in her faith and felt a strong longing for religious life.

In 1915, Elvira's dream of dedicating her life to God finally became a reality. Her brother Ricardo graduated from the pharmacy school and was able to assume the business, freeing Elvira to pursue her spiritual calling. She entered the Discalced Carmelites at the monastery of Santa Ana and San Jose, where she took the religious name of María Sagrario of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. On Epiphany in 1920, she made her solemn profession.

Elvira's dedication and holiness were recognized by her community, and she was elected Prioress from 1927 to 1930. Her leadership skills and deep spirituality greatly benefited her fellow sisters during this time. However, her term as Prioress was not her last, as she was once again elected on 1 July 1936, just weeks before her untimely death.

The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought immense suffering and persecution for religious communities, including Elvira's Carmelite convent. On 20 July 1936, their convent was attacked, causing the sisters to scatter in order to save their lives. Despite the chaos and danger, Elvira remained steadfast in her faith and committed to her religious vocation.

Unfortunately, her unwavering devotion to Christ led to her arrest on 14 August 1936. During her interrogation, she fearlessly and resolutely responded to every question with the words, "Viva Christ the King." These powerful words reflected her unyielding loyalty to her Savior, even in the face of adversity.

Tragically, on the morning of 15 August 1936, at the hermitage of San Isidro in Madrid, Elvira was shot, becoming a martyr for her faith during the Spanish Civil War. Her heroic witness and sacrificial offering of her life serves as an inspiration to believers throughout the world.

Blessed Elvira Moragas Cantarero is commonly represented as a Carmelite nun, holding a palm of martyrdom and clutching a number of pharmacist's tools, symbolizing her background in the pharmaceutical field. The mortar and pestle, in particular, serves as a reminder of her early involvement in her family's pharmacy business.

Her feast day is celebrated on 15 August, and within the Discalced Carmelites, she is also commemorated on 16 August. Pope John Paul II, on 8 March 1997, declared her venerable for her martyrdom, recognizing her commitment to her faith, and on 10 May 1998, she was beatified by the same Pope, becoming Blessed Elvira Moragas Cantarero. Her life and martyrdom continue to inspire and strengthen the faith of believers worldwide.