Blessed María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria

Biography

Blessed María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria, also known as María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, was born on January 12, 1925, in Villarica del Espiritu Santo, Guairá, Paraguay. She was the eldest of seven children born to Ramón Guggiari and María Arminda Echeverría. María Felicia was baptized on February 28, 1929, and she received her First Communion on December 8, 1937.

Despite her parents' wishes, María Felicia joined Catholic Action in 1941, where she served as a children's catechist and dedicated herself to working with the poor. In October 1942, she made a personal vow of chastity, committing herself to a life of purity and devotion to God.

During her time in Catholic Action, María Felicia met a medical student and fellow member named Saul Angel. They fell in love, but in May 1951, Saul answered a call to the priesthood. María Felicia supported his decision and encouraged him to pursue his vocation. This experience, however, made her reflect on her own calling in life.

Despite strong objections from her family, María Felicia started religious exercises in 1953, which eventually led her to become a Discalced Carmelite nun on February 2, 1955. She embraced the contemplative life and devoted herself to a profound relationship with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Throughout her journey of faith, María Felicia maintained contact with Father Saul Angel. Many of her letters to him, along with a collection of poetry and other writings, have survived and provide insights into her spiritual journey.

Tragically, María Felicia's life was cut short when she succumbed to infectious hepatitis on the early morning of April 28, 1959, in Asunción, Paraguay. She was only 34 years old. Her dedication to God, her commitment to serving the poor, and her profound love for the Eucharist left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

Her cause for sainthood began to be formally recognized on March 27, 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI declared her heroic virtues, granting her the title of "Venerable." Later, on June 23, 2018, Pope Francis beatified her, confirming her as "Blessed María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria." The beatification recognition ceremony took place at the Estadio Cerro Porteño in Asunción, Paraguay, with Cardinal Angelo Amata as the chief celebrant.

Blessed María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria's life serves as an inspiration of unwavering faith, selfless service, and a deep love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Her memory continues to be honored and venerated by Catholics worldwide, who seek her intercession and strive to emulate her virtuous life.