Santa Maria Josefa de Corazon de Jesus

A reproduction of the Saint's original photo.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

We Catholics ask Saints for special prayers. Yes, they are our friends in heaven. But life in human friendly relationship, we have the best among those friends whom we introduce as our best friend.

I want you to know who among from the Saints is my "Best friend". I was introduced to her in 2000 by Sor Ana Maria Arteche, od the Servants of Jesus of Charity who later became my Spiritual Mother. She was then Blessed and now a Saint. Her name is Santa Maria Josefa del Corazon de Jesus.

This is her short biography:

She was born in Vitoria, Spain on September 7th, 1842. From her earliest years she received a good Christian education, which became the solid foundation of the spiritual edifice she was to build later.

 She founded the Institute of the Servants of Jesus of Charity (Siervas de Jesus dela Caridad) which she began to work on July 25th, 1871.

 From the Heart of Jesus, her main devotion, she received the kindness and love to care for the sick in their homes, hospitals, clinics and sanitariums: to care for the old in residences, the children in nurseries and the needy at dispensaries. This specific ends were broadened to include all charitable works.

 By her death on March 20th, 1912 she had founded 42 houses.

 She was declared Venerable on September 7, 1989, Beatified on September 27, 1992 and Canonized on October 1, 2000 by the late Pope John Paul II.

Let us pray the Prayer to Obtain Special Favors through her intercession:

We bless You, O Lord, because You have chosen Saint Maria Josefa del Corazon de Jesus to make known Your Merciful Love in the world of pain.

Grant us the grace which through her intercession we ask of You (mention your petitions) and may her example help us to feel the kindness and love of Your Divine Heart, towards the sick, the old and the young. Amen.

Heart of Jesus, health of the sick, have mercy on us. (Three times)

(With Ecclesiastical Approval)

Prayer: 

Lord, thank you for giving us Saints to be our friends and to be our model of living the Gospel virtues. Amen.