Ana Petra Pérez Florido facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedAna Petra Pérez Florido |
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c. 1900.
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| Religious | |
| Born | 6 December 1845 Valle de Abdalajís, Valle de Abdalajís, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | 16 August 1906 (aged 60) Barcelona, Kingdom of Spain |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 16 October 1994, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 16 August |
| Attributes | Religious habit |
| Patronage | Congregation of the Mothers of the Abandoned |
Ana Petra Pérez Florido (December 6, 1845 – August 16, 1906) was a Spanish Catholic nun. She was also known as Petra of Saint Joseph. She started a special group called the Congregation of the Mothers of the Abandoned. This group helped people who were abandoned, as well as the elderly and sick.
She was later declared "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1994.
Contents
Life Story of Ana Petra Pérez Florido
Ana Petra Pérez Florido was born in Spain on December 6, 1845. She was the youngest of five children. Her parents were José Perez and Maria Florido. When she was baptized, she was given the name "Ana Josefa".
Early Life and Education
Ana's mother passed away when Ana was only three years old. Her grandmother, Teresa Reina, took charge of her education. From her grandmother, Ana learned about the importance of the Eucharist. She also learned to have a special devotion to the Mother of God and Saint Joseph.
Choosing a Religious Path
As she grew up, two men from good families wanted to marry her. However, her father said no to these proposals. Ana was relieved because she felt she was not meant for marriage. She said, "I have no vocation for marriage."
She turned down all future marriage offers. Her parents were not happy with her choices. They became even stricter when she told them she wanted to become a nun. She wanted to serve God.
Her parents tried to stop her from following her dream. Because of their interference, she could not join a group of nuns called the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Starting Her Mission
In 1872, her father finally agreed and gave her his blessing. He passed away on January 11, 1875. After his death, Ana immediately began helping the elderly and abandoned people. Soon, local officials asked her to open a home for the elderly.
On March 19, 1875, she opened this home. It was called "The Porch of Bethlehem." Later, in the 1870s, she joined the Mercedarians, another religious group. She received their special clothing on November 1, 1878.
However, she soon decided to leave and start her own religious group. On December 25, 1880, she received permission to do so. In 1891, when she made her first promises as a nun, she took the name "Petra of Saint Joseph."
Growth of Her Congregation
The local bishop approved her new order in early 1883. Later, Pope Leo XIII gave his official approval in 1891. On March 23, 1891, she traveled to Rome to ask the Pope for this approval. While there, she met with Cardinal Isidoro Verga. Her group then met with the Pope and attended Mass. She received the Eucharist directly from him.
On October 15, 1891, she made her final, lifelong promises as a nun. She also traveled to Rome again in 1905.
Blessed Petra opened many helpful places. In 1883, she opened a kindergarten and a hospital in Ronda. She later opened two more homes: one in Andujar in 1885 and another in Martos in 1887.
Her Passing and Legacy
Ana Petra Pérez Florido passed away on August 16, 1906, in Barcelona. Her funeral was held two days later, on August 18. Her remains were moved on November 5, 1920. Sadly, they disappeared during the Spanish Civil War. However, her remains were found in 1983 and reburied on June 10, 1984.
Becoming Blessed: The Beatification Process
The process to declare Ana Petra Pérez Florido "Blessed" began in the Barcelona archdiocese. An early investigation, called an "informative process," started in 1932 and finished in 1933. During this time, all her documents and witness stories were collected.
Official Recognition
Even though the formal process began later, Pope Pius XII officially recognized her as a "Servant of God" on December 3, 1944. This is the first step towards sainthood. Her spiritual writings were also approved on February 26, 1943.
Another investigation in Barcelona continued from 1948 to 1949. On May 4, 1952, the Congregation for Rites officially confirmed both investigations. This allowed her cause to move forward.
Heroic Virtue and Miracle
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints and its advisors approved her cause on December 16, 1969, and again on December 15, 1970. On June 14, 1971, Pope Paul VI declared her "Venerable." This means he recognized that she lived a life of great goodness and "heroic virtue."
For someone to be declared "Blessed," a miracle must be proven. The miracle linked to Ana Petra Pérez Florido was investigated. It was officially confirmed on October 18, 1991. Medical experts approved the case on February 4, 1993. Theologians approved it on May 7, 1993, and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved it on June 15, 1993.
Finally, Pope John Paul II approved the miracle on July 6, 1993. He then declared Ana Petra Pérez Florido "Blessed" in Saint Peter's Square on October 16, 1994.
See also
In Spanish: Petra de San José para niños
