Anne of Saint Bartholomew facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew OCD
Portrait c. 1600
Virgin
Born	1 October 1550 Almendral de la Cañada, Old Castile, Crown of Castile
Died	7 June 1626(1626-06-07) (aged 75) Antwerp
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	6 May 1917, Saint Peter's Basilica by Pope Benedict XV
Feast	7 June
Patronage	Antwerp

Anne of Saint Bartholomew (born Ana García Manzanas) was a Spanish Discalced Carmelite nun. She was born on October 1, 1550, and passed away on June 7, 1626.

Anne was a close helper and friend to Saint Teresa of Ávila. She was even with Saint Teresa when she died in 1582. Later, Anne helped start new monasteries for her order in France and the Lowlands. She sometimes faced challenges while setting up these new convents. She eventually settled in the Spanish Netherlands and opened a new house there, where she lived until her death.

Her very strong faith and good deeds were recognized by Pope Clement XII in 1735. He gave her the title of Venerable. Later, Pope Benedict XV declared her "Blessed" on May 6, 1917.

Life Story

Early Years and Family

Ana García Manzanas was born in Almendral de la Cañada, Spain, on October 1, 1550. She was the seventh child of Ferdinand García and Maria Mancanas. On the day she was born, she was also baptized in her local church.

Her parents taught her and her six siblings to be very close to God. Their family often went to Mass and prayed together. Her father had a priest teach the children about their faith. Her mother was very kind, often inviting poor people and orphans into their home.

Childhood Dreams and Challenges

As a child, Ana loved pictures showing the suffering of Jesus. She wanted to share in that suffering. She would give her food to beggars and sometimes walked barefoot on stone paths.

In 1559, her mother passed away, and her father died in 1560. Ana felt very sad after losing both parents. When she grew older, her older brothers wanted her to get married. However, Ana deeply wished to become a nun.

Her brothers tried to test her desire. They gave her hard work in the fields, hoping she would change her mind. But Ana kept her focus on her dream. She avoided talking to men, wanting to dedicate her life to God. Her brothers worried she was too gentle for the strict life of a nun. They feared she would join and then leave, bringing shame to the family.

A Special Cure

Anne had special experiences, like visions, that made her even more determined. Once, she became very ill after a frightening experience. Her relatives were worried. They took her to a small church dedicated to Saint Bartholomew for a special prayer time called a novena.

As Ana arrived outside the church, she suddenly couldn't move. Her relatives carried her inside. Soon after entering, she was completely cured of her illness.

Becoming a Nun

On November 2, 1570, Anne joined a convent of the Discalced Carmelites. She was the first "secular member" (someone who helps the nuns but doesn't take full vows yet) accepted by the founder, Teresa of Ávila. She later made her full religious vows on August 15, 1572.

For the next ten years, Anne worked as an "infirmarian," caring for sick nuns. In 1577, Saint Teresa broke her arm. Anne became her constant companion and caregiver. Saint Teresa of Ávila actually died in Anne's arms on October 4, 1582.

New Beginnings in France and Flanders

After Saint Teresa's death, Anne returned to Ávila. She helped start a new convent in Ocana in 1595. In 1604, she was one of seven nuns chosen to bring the Carmelite order to Kingdom of France.

In France, her leaders wanted her to become a "prioress" (a nun in charge of a convent) in Pontoise. This meant she had to become a "choir nun" (a nun who takes full vows and participates in the choir prayers). This was unusual, but Anne accepted it, just as Saint Teresa had once predicted.

Anne served as prioress in Pontoise from January to September 1605. She then led convents in Paris (October 1605 to April 1608) and Tours (May 1608 to 1611). These roles brought many challenges.

In October 1611, Anne moved to Flanders. There, she founded a new convent in Antwerp on October 27, 1612. She was the prioress there for the rest of her life. She is also credited with helping to protect Antwerp from Protestant forces twice.

Anne of Saint Bartholomew passed away on June 7, 1626.

Her Writings

Anne wrote many things, including stories about her life, her thoughts on faith, poems, and letters. These writings have been collected and published. Her autobiography has been translated into French, English, and other languages.

Becoming Blessed

The process to declare Anne a saint began a long time ago. On June 29, 1735, Pope Clement XII officially recognized her "heroic virtue," meaning she lived a life of great goodness and faith. He then gave her the title of Venerable.

Two miracles were studied that were believed to have happened because of her prayers:

• The first miracle was the amazing recovery of Father Leopold from a serious brain infection.
• The second miracle was the cure of Queen Maria de' Medici of France in 1633 from a severe illness called typhoid fever.

Both miracles were approved by a special committee on January 30, 1917. Pope Benedict XV then officially approved them on February 25, 1917. Finally, Pope Benedict XV declared Anne "Blessed" in Saint Peter's Basilica on May 6, 1917.

See also

In Spanish: Ana de San Bartolomé para niños