Blessed Esperanza De Jesus

Biography

Blessed Esperanza De Jesus, also known as Giuseppa Alhama Valera, María Esperanza of Jesus, María Josefa Alhama Valera, Sister Speranza di Ges√π, and Sister Hope of Jesus, was born on 30 September 1893 in Santomera, Murcia, Spain as Josefa Alhama Valera. She was the eldest of nine children born to a peasant family.

At the age of 12, María Josefa received a profound inspiration, possibly as a result of an apparition of Saint Teresa of Avila. This inspiration led her to dedicate her life to spreading the devotion to the Merciful Love of Jesus.

At the age of 23, María Josefa joined the Daughters of Calvary and took the name Esperanza de Jesus (Hope of Jesus). She later became a member of the Claretian Missionaries.

On 24 December 1930, in Madrid, Spain, María Josefa founded the Handmaids of Merciful Love. This religious congregation was established to care for and educate poor children and orphans, as well as provide assistance to the sick and elderly.

From 1936 to 1951, Sister Esperanza worked in Rome, Italy. She dedicated herself to her mission with great zeal and love for God, inspiring others with her devotion and commitment.

In 1951, Sister Esperanza founded the Sons of Merciful Love in Collevalenza, Perugia, Italy. This religious institute focused on spreading the message of God's love and providing spiritual guidance to those in need.

On 22 November 1981, Pope Saint John Paul II visited Sister Esperanza at the sanctuary in Collevalenza, recognizing the significance of her work and devotion.

Blessed Esperanza De Jesus passed away on 8 February 1983 in Collevalenza, Perugia, Italy. She was interred in the crypt of the Sanctuary of Merciful Love, the place where she dedicated her life to serving others.

Her virtues were acknowledged on 23 April 2002 when she was venerated by Pope John Paul II, who declared her heroic in her practice of faith. On 31 May 2014, she was officially beatified by Pope Francis. The beatification recognition ceremony took place at the Sanctuary of Merciful Love in Collevalenza, Perugia, Italy, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

One of the miracles attributed to Blessed Esperanza De Jesus involved the survival of a child named Francesco Maria in Monza, Italy. As a newborn in 1998, Francesco Maria suffered from severe malnutrition and was unable to digest anything. However, after drinking water from the sanctuary of Mother Esperanza, he was miraculously healed and gained the ability to digest food.

Blessed Esperanza De Jesus, through her life of service and devotion, continues to inspire and bring hope to those who seek God's merciful love. Her legacy remains an example of dedication, compassion, and faith.