Blessed Maria Del Carmen Rendiles Martinez

Biography

Blessed Maria del Carmen Rendiles Martinez, also known as Carmen Elena Rendiles Martínez or María Carmen, was born on 11 August 1903 in Caracas, Venezuela. She was the third of eight children born to Ramiro Antonio Rendiles and Ana Antonia Martínez, a wealthy and respected family. From birth, Maria Carmen faced a significant challenge as she was born without a left arm and had to rely on a prosthetic.

Maria Carmen's faith was nurtured from a young age, and she received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion with great devotion. At the age of 15, she began serving as a catechist in her parish, sharing her knowledge and love for the Catholic faith with others. Her passion for teaching led her to travel to other towns to assist in parish missions, bringing the message of Christ to various communities.

Feeling a deep calling to the religious life, Maria Carmen joined the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament on 25 February 1927. After completing her studies in Toulouse, France, she received her religious habit on 8 September 1927. She would go on to profess her first vows on 8 September 1929 and her solemn profession on 8 September 1932.

Returning to Caracas, Venezuela, Maria Carmen dedicated the next ten years of her life to various positions within the community, serving the needs of the people with great compassion. Her dedication to charity led her to establish convents and schools in both Venezuela and Colombia, including a school for underprivileged children located in her own family home upon inheriting it.

Blessed Carmen's leadership skills and devotion to her calling were recognized by her peers, and in 1951, she was chosen as the Provincial Superior of the Order. Under her guidance, the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament expanded their presence and influence throughout Venezuela and Colombia.

However, due to practical reasons, including the distance between the South American sisters and the motherhouse in France, the congregation decided to split on 25 March 1965. Blessed Carmen is regarded as the founder of the Servants of Jesus of Caracas (Servant Congregation of Jesus of Venezuela). She dedicated the rest of her life to serving as the superior of this new congregation, leading by example and inspiring others in their religious vocations.

Blessed Maria del Carmen Rendiles Martinez passed away on 9 May 1977, in Caracas, Venezuela, due to influenza. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and selfless service continues to inspire the faithful and the religious community she established. Her exemplary life and virtues were recognized by Pope Francis, who declared her venerable on 5 July 2013, recognizing her heroic virtues. On 16 June 2018, Pope Francis beatified her, celebrating her beatification recognition in Caracas, Venezuela, with Cardinal Angelo Amato as the chief celebrant.

One of the miracles attributed to Blessed Carmen's intercession involved the healing of Trinette Durán de Branger on 18 July 2003. This miraculous healing played a significant role in the process of her beatification and bears witness to her continued presence and intercession in the lives of those who seek her help.

As of 2015, the Servants of Jesus of Caracas, the congregation she founded, had grown to include 94 religious members spread across 19 communities. Blessed Maria del Carmen Rendiles Martinez's life is an inspiration for all, particularly those facing physical challenges, as she showed great strength of spirit and unwavering faith throughout her life.