RMI Sisters celebrate Jubilee of Canonisation of their founder

Saint Vicenta Maria López y Vicuña

The Religious of Mary Immaculate around the world are holding special celebrations this Sunday, 25 May, to mark the 50th anniversary of the canonization of their foundress, Saint Vicenta Maria López y Vicuña.

Sr Margaret Correa RMI, who is is based at their London hostel at 15 Southwell Gardens, Kensington, told ICN: "All through the year we have been having celebrations and prayers but especially on Sunday, the 25th May at 11am there will be a special Brunch. At 5.30pm Mass in the Chapel there will be a Mass followed by refreshments."

Vicenta was born at Cascante in 1847 in Spain to a very religious family. Her father was a lawyer. She was sent to school in Madrid and her uncle who was a priest, educated her in the faith. Although she was known for her beauty, she refused to consider an arranged marriage and instead decided to take a private vow to dedicate her life to God. She realized at that time that God was calling her to the religious life.

At the same time, she lived with her aunt who had founded a home to help girls who had to work. Vicenta realized God had placed this home and group in her path. She decided to found a religious group of nuns who would help orphaned girls and help them get decent work. She received approval from the Pope and began her congregation shortly after. It was called the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. The congregation, having spread throughout Spain, other sections of Europe, and Latin America, was given papal approbation in 1888.

On December 26, 1896, Vicentia died in Madrid, and she was canonized on 25 May 1975 by Pope Paul VI.

The apostolate she began now runs hostels, educational projects and summer camps for young women around the world, offering them support and encouragement in their faith.

This Sunday celebrations will be taking place in RMI communities around the world.

Sr Margaret offers this prayer:

In this Jubilee year, we celebrate the holiness of St Vicenta Maria, who taught us to walk with courage and love.

Help us to follow this example, to find in you the strength to live this path of hope, and to reach the fullness that You have promised us,

guided by Your love,

May we be able to be a light for others building together a more just and peaceful world

Amen.

LINKS

The Religious of Mary Immaculate: www.rmieuropa.com/en/
RMI London hostel: www.rmilondonhostel.org/