Narcisa de Jesús facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintNarcisa de Jesús TOSD |
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| Virgin | |
| Born | Narcisa de Jesús Martillo Morán 29 October 1832 Nobol, Guayas, Ecuador |
| Died | 8 December 1869 (aged 37) Lima, Peru |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 25 October 1992, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II |
| Canonized | 12 October 2008, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Major shrine | Santuario de Santa Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Morán, Ecuador |
| Feast | 30 August |
Narcisa de Jesús Martillo Morán (born October 29, 1832 – died December 8, 1869) was a special Ecuadorian woman. She was a virgin and a member of the Dominican Third Order in the Roman Catholic Church. Narcisa was known for her kindness and for helping others. She lived a simple life, praying a lot and showing strong devotion to Jesus Christ. Her deep faith led her to join the Third Order of Saint Dominic in Patrocínio, Peru, where she passed away. The Catholic Church later recognized her as a saint. She was declared "blessed" (beatified) on October 25, 1992.
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Early Life in Ecuador
Narcisa de Jesús Martillo Morán was born on October 29, 1832. Her birthplace was a small village called San José in Nobol, Ecuador. She was the sixth of nine children in her family. Her parents, Pedro Martillo and Josefina Morán, owned land. Her father was a very hard worker and became quite wealthy. He was also very religious.
Childhood and Family Life
When Narcisa was young, her mother died in 1838. After this, Narcisa took on many household chores. An older sister and a teacher helped her learn to read and write. She also learned to sing and play the guitar. Narcisa became skilled at sewing and cooking. She even turned a small room in her house into a private chapel for prayer. She received her Confirmation on September 16, 1839.
Spiritual Growth and Habits
Narcisa often went to a small forest near her home. She liked to spend time there in quiet thought and prayer. A guava tree where she used to go is now a popular place for pilgrims to visit. Narcisa chose another saint, Mariana de Jesús, as her special role model. She tried to live her life just like Mariana. People knew Narcisa for being sweet, thoughtful, and peaceful. She was always kind and generous. Everyone in her village loved her. Narcisa was described as tall, strong, and agile, with blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
Moving to Help Others
In January 1852, Narcisa's father passed away. This led her to move to Guayaquil, a larger city. There, she lived with important noble families. This was where she truly began her mission to help others. She spent her time assisting the poor and the sick. She also took care of children who had no one else.
Working as a Seamstress
To support her mission, Narcisa worked as a seamstress. She used the money she earned to help those in need. She also supported her eight brothers and sisters. Later, she moved to Cuenca for a few months. She stayed in different homes, including with another holy woman named Mercedes de Jesús Molina. This allowed her more time for quiet prayer and reflection. In 1865, her spiritual guide became ill and died in 1868. The local bishop invited her to live with the Discalced Carmelites. However, Narcisa felt her path was different.
Life in Lima, Peru
In June 1868, Narcisa moved to Lima, Peru. Her new spiritual guide, Pedro Gual, who was a Franciscan, advised her to go there. In Lima, she lived with the Dominicans at a place called Patrocinio. Even though she wasn't a nun, she followed a very strict daily routine. She spent about eight hours praying and thinking quietly and alone. She also fasted very strictly. People often saw her in a state of deep prayer, almost like a trance.
Her Passing and Legacy
In late September 1869, Narcisa developed high fevers. Doctors could not find a cure. She passed away before midnight on December 8, 1869. When she died, a nun reported a beautiful, sweet smell filling the room. Her death happened at the same time the First Vatican Council was beginning.
In 1995, when her body was examined, it was found to be remarkably preserved. Her remains were moved from Peru back to her home country of Ecuador. In 1972, they were brought to her home village of Nobol. This village is now sometimes called Narcissa de Jeús in her honor. On August 22, 1998, a special altar holding her reliquary (a container for her remains) was dedicated.
Becoming a Saint
Soon after Narcisa's death, people began to pray at her tomb in Lima. They believed she was a very holy person. The process to declare her a saint began on September 26, 1961. This involved collecting many documents and stories about her life.
Steps to Sainthood
Church officials gathered information until July 10, 1962. Her writings were also checked and approved in 1965. The information was then sent to the Sacred Congregation of Rites for review. Historians approved her case on May 8, 1974. The official process began under Pope Paul VI on September 27, 1975. Members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints also approved her case in 1987. On October 23, 1987, Pope John Paul II recognized that Narcisa had lived a life of great goodness. She was then given the title of "venerable."
Miracles and Canonization
For someone to become a saint, the Church usually looks for miracles that happened because of their prayers. A miracle linked to Narcisa was investigated. Doctors confirmed that a healing was truly miraculous on June 27, 1991. Pope John Paul II approved this miracle on March 7, 1992. He then declared Narcisa de Jesús "blessed" (beatified) in Saint Peter's Square on October 25, 1992.
A second miracle was then investigated. This was the healing of a seven-year-old child in 1992. The child had a birth defect, and was healed after prayers were offered at Narcisa de Jesús's shrine. Pope Benedict XVI approved this second miracle on June 1, 2007. Finally, he declared Narcisa de Jesús a saint (canonized her) on October 12, 2008.
