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Feast Day: February 23
Birth: January 16, 1843
Death: February 23, 1900
Blessed Rafaela Ybarra Arambarri De Villalonga was born on January 16, 1843, in Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain, into a wealthy and pious family. Her parents, Gutiérrez de Cabiedes and Rosaria de Arambarri y Mancebo, instilled in her a deep religious faith from an early age. Rafaela demonstrated her piety by making her first Communion at the tender age of 11 and frequently engaging in long meditations on the suffering of Christ.
At the age of 18, in 1861, Rafaela married Giuseppe Vilallonga, a wealthy and devout man from Catalonia. Together, they had seven children and opened their doors to numerous relatives who were in need, whether poor, sick, frail, or neglected. This selflessness and commitment to serving others set the foundation for Rafaela's future mission.
In her mid-thirties, with Giuseppe's approval, Rafaela made the decision to take personal vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. These vows further solidified her dedication to a life of service and exemplified her desire to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Tragically, Rafaela found herself widowed, yet she upheld her vows and utilized both her personal fortune and her own strength to continue caring for those in need.
Rafaela's compassion led her to found the Institute of the Sisters of Guardian Angels, an organization committed to assisting abandoned and neglected children. Through the institute, she and her fellow sisters dedicated themselves to providing love, care, and education to those who had been marginalized by society. This work would become Rafaela's life's mission, and she poured her heart and resources into its growth and success.
On February 23, 1900, at the age of 57, Blessed Rafaela Ybarra Arambarri De Villalonga passed away in Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain. Her legacy, however, continued to inspire many even after her death. Recognizing her virtues, Pope Paul VI proclaimed her venerable on March 16, 1970, acknowledging her profound holiness. Furthermore, Pope John Paul II beatified her on September 30, 1984, emphasizing her exemplary life and her enduring impact on society.
Blessed Rafaela Ybarra Arambarri De Villalonga's life serves as a shining example of selflessness, compassion, and devotion to God and neighbor. Her dedication to the most vulnerable members of society, especially abandoned children, continues to inspire individuals to this day. As we commemorate her feast day on February 23rd, let us celebrate her life and strive to follow her example of love and service in our own lives.