St. Mariana de Jesús de Paredes
First saint of Ecuador and the only saint of her country canonized for nearly four centuries. Living as a recluse in her sister's home in Quito, she practiced extraordinary asceticism, mystical prayer, and care for the sick poor. During the earthquakes and epidemic of 1645, she publicly offered her life to God in expiation for the city's sins, and shortly afterward died at age twenty-six. The disasters ceased the day she died.
Life & Times
Also known as: Mariana of Jesus; Lily of Quito; Azucena de Quito · Born: October 31, 1618 · Died: May 26, 1645 · From: Quito, Royal Audience of Quito (modern Ecuador).
Patronage
St. Mariana de Jesús de Paredes is invoked as the patron of ecuador, the sick, people who have lost their parents. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Mariana de Jesús de Paredes, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.