A FLAT TO BE LET

On December 8, 1853, while crossing Luciente Street, Doña Maria Eulalia read on a board:  “Flat to be let.”

She immediately understood that it was God’s sign, showing her where to start the work.  In haste, she started negotiations to rent the flat.  She signed the corresponding contract.  She then placed three beds, which were immediately taken by three girls discharged from the hospital.  She contracted the services of a lady to look after them.

The modesty and smallness of the flat aptly described it by its name, “Little House, “ where it should become a meeting place for the girls; where they are welcomed and given orientation, procuring employment in families of good reputation.

FIRST ENCOUNTER

Vicenta Maria was only 7 years old the first time she left Navarra to go to Madrid.  She could not yet imagine that God would be waiting for her there.  Madrid-Cascante gradually became the two extremes of her actions:  love, projects, trials and basic experiences in life.

However, all these are work of history.  The trip concluded with the happy encounter of both families.  From now on, genuine love, mutual understanding, respect and trust will mark the relationship between aunt and niece

TO STUDY, MADRID

. The letters between Cascante and Madrid focused mainly on Vicenta Maria’s studies.  Her parents, uncle and aunt wanted her to get an education suiting her social condition, so that she could have a bright future.   On November 24, 1857, Vicenta Maria left Cascante.

Her arrival filled her uncle and aunt with great joy.  They had dreamt many times for this moment and made many projects for her.  They started looking for a boarding school.  First, they considered the Visitation…the Carmelites, but they were unsatisfied and eventually gave up the idea.  Finally, they opted to look for teachers in French and piano so that classes would be given personally in the house of her uncles.

Doña Eulalia took upon herself the task of personally drafting a timetable for her little niece, making her busy the whole day.  In doing so, she hoped to mold the girl’s will and help her become serious and responsible in her duties.

A NEW DAWN

Vicenta Maria grows and enters into life’s adventure.  From 13 to 15 years old she lived in this new dawn intensely.  She discovered new horizons.  New youthful strength ran through her veins.

 Her relations increased considerably when she got acquainted with other girls and schoolmates.  This happened after the decision of enrolling her at the College of St. Louis of the French.

In this rebirth of springtime she finds facing her self and wants to seek others, awaken from her dream, enter in accord with the style of behavior, a new type of reading, more romantic, which were more apt to her growing eagerness and which gave her more dynamism.  She found life beautiful…wonderfully beautiful…she liked grooming herself and wear new dresses…she was very fond of the French language…

Time passed by, Vicenta Maria had been in Madrid for already three years with her uncles where she arrives as a little girl.  She has grown into a woman and now feels the need to see her parents again and spend some time with them.

RAINBOW

In the depth of Vicenta Maria radiates a beam of light, rays that form a rainbow that tinge and envelop her whole personality.  Her taste and talent reveal an artist’s disposition. She was familiar with brushes and pens, music, and theater.  Besides, she was very sociable and has a great capacity in dealing with people.

When she was in Cascante, she used to look for the children whom she could share her experiences. In Madrid, besides her friends in the French College, she developed deep friendship with the Lartiga daughters.

FRIENDSHIP:  overcoming all shorts of misunderstanding

FRIENDSHIP:  offering every morning some joyous feeling

FRIENDSHIP:  opening itself to God, who made it possible..

FRIENDSHIP:  which would last forever as it has been born and nourished by essential values.

IN FREEDOM

When she was 15 years old, a breath of new calmness blew on Vicenta Maria’s life.  It was 1862.  Her features were slowly coming into light.  She was rich in human values, in understanding and sensibility.  She greatly wished to help and commit herself to other people.

 From this time onwards Christian commitment becomes a clear goal and leading feature in her life.  The continuous pursuit of what God wanted, the will to find her true vocation and, above all, her infinite sensitivity were the canvass that lay under her moments of spiritual happiness and interior labor.  This feeling allowed her to attach great importance to her spiritual life.  Hence, a young woman who is

            FREE, with great ideals

            SENSITIVE to the INFINITE LOVE and BEAUTY, which she discovered

            READY to accept and realize God’s will.

When she was between 15 and 20 years old, she constantly accompanied her Aunt Eulalia visiting young girls who were confined in the hospital.  Her parents and uncles reached an agreement:  Vicenta Maria would stay in Madrid from October to June and go to Cascante during her vacations.

During summer she organized a Sunday school for poor uneducated girls.  She sowed unceasingly…and she was always looking for possible solutions that could help these girls.

THERE WILL BE NO WEDDING

Now at 19 years old, when her formation is about to be finished and is physically formed to attract the attention of King Francisco of Asis. In his visit to Cascante, her parents believed that the moment has come to gather the harvest in which many sacrifices were watered.  They dreamed in Vicenta Maria, wife of a great, noble man.  Housewife  and mother of many children.  Letters written by Don José Maria which literally expresses to her daughter his desire to see himself surrounded by grandchilden.   

She kept a complete silence about her future and state, being very busy with the works of charity of her Aunt Eulalia and seemed not preoccupied herself very much for what would happened in few years.

His parents had met several men who desired to tie in marriage with Vicenta Maria... However, they have to speak with Vicentita.  Don José Maria preferred to entrust this mission to his cousin, Doña Maria Fernanda who knew well her niece. It was not necessary to wait.  Vicenta Maria had already taken the decision and with affection and sincerity, she said " Auntie, not with a King nor with a Saint. "  

THE ECHO OF HIS VOICE

Vicenta Maria has gone deep in the profundity of the spiritual life attracted by the strength of God and this growing process of fidelity is supported in LOVE, in DISPONIBILITY, and in the STRENGTH OF THE WORD OF GOD.

Vicenta Maria is happy, allows herself to be led... abandons herself. Though many details are to be clarified, she does not know when nor how to fulfill her self giving.  She is very clear though that HER NAME HAS BEEN PRONOUNCED BY THE LORD and that " FOLLOW ME " for her is not only an invitation but a strength that attracts in an irresistible form.    

GOAL:  THE YOUTH

Considering the Little House bristling with difficulties, Vicenta Maria made a serious resolution over the necessity of a new Institute that could dedicate to this work.  On March 1868, she made the Spiritual Exercises at the Monastery of the Visitation.  In this exercises she wanted to confirm her decision and discern serenely to ascertain that the will of God is to concretize the foundation of a new Institute

She thoroughly took note of every impression she got in those days.  We still preserve some pages where she had described the discernment which evidenced the confirmation of the taken resolutions.

These conclusions appear in the notes in two columns:

Vicenta Maria’s answer was past any doubt:      “THE GIRLS HAVE TRIUMPHED.”

It is spring again.  Since she finished the spiritual exercises, the scenario Vicenta Maria contemplates is a youthful springtime, a vast field with numerous needs and great possibilities for sowing. 

 However, everything would soon die out if nobody was ready to venture ones life for the service of the Kingdom.  This service is concretize as:  to welcome, accompany and guide these girls, share with them their lives, culture, the light and love of the Gospel.

WHY?

When she was little girl, Vicenta Maria used to ask her father to explain the things she couldn’t understand...it was her turn now to make it clear to him why she had reached that amazing decision

Here is the letter wherein she revealed her vocation:

Madrid, 28 de may de 1868

Dear Father:  Just imagine how glad we were to hear that your health is improving.  As you say in your letter, only when pain shall have fully disappeared, can we be able to state that such a simple medicine has been working wonders.

Now talking about my stay in Madrid, I must inform you that the reason is not to keep Uncle and Aunt company, but really, it is to realize my vocation.  You have often told me that you wouldn’t ever want to know I’m not conveniently settled, and it is the parent’s duty to orient their children so that they can answer God’s call.  The consequence of the realization of your wishes is that you will have to do without my presence, since children seldom live with their parents once they are settled.

First of all, please remember that I do not want to get married:  God is urging me towards a different way of life, free from worldly conditioning and having, as goal, my perfection and my neighbor’s salvation. After reading my words, you will surely think I’m going to tell you I’m entering a religious order or institution, and consequently take my solemn vow, after which I won’t easily meet you or stand by you.  On the contrary, it looks like God wants me to do something easier.  Do you remember when I spoke to you about my wish to collaborate and realize a foundation in favor of the girls working inside the house as house helps?  That choice of mine is personal and coming from God alone.

Thus, years ago, with the approval of competent people, I have been thinking of becoming a member of a congregation of women who live in community under a religious rule.  It has the goal of educating the girls during their stay at the “casita” and offering them with various services, which they previously might have gotten from lay individuals.  Those who hear about my project are astonished, and they are right if they were to consider human standards only. Yet as a matter of fact, God alone will make it true while using the most useless tools, proving His power and majesty.  It is God who decides on circumstances, and He wants me to attend to these poor girls whose home I share.  As for myself, though I do not even know why I’ve come here, I feel this task will become the mission of my life.  I insist that it will be possibly easier than other tasks, as I’m not taking solemn vows and you may stay with me as long as you feel like.  I, too, will visit you from time to time.  See how flexible a Sister I’m going to be!  But, I cannot come and visit you if nobody would take care of the house.  Not now, at least, since most things, and the most essential ones depend on me.

That is why, Fathers, I think you won’t object the plans of Providence and hinder the good I am doing.  If I leave now, nothing may come true.  I quite understand that what I’m asking or rather what God exacts is bitter for you, but we must always teach ourselves not to follow our own wishes, submitting them to God’s reasons.

Father, be generous and show the nobility of your heart; consider all facts under the correct light and try to thank God for this special gift to choose your poor daughter to His service.  If the Lord Himself was to tell you:  “Give me back that daughter I’ve entrusted to you, as I need her.”  Would you dare refuse?  Wouldn’t you be proud about His condescending look at me?   Well, that is what is happening now, or do we rather misunderstand things?

I’d like so much to talk to you personally, but I’m only writing you because I do not want you to suffer the least.  Now, it will be up to you to consider everything positively

A sudden idea comes to my mind.  That if you prefer not to answer my letter, I will consider it as your assent to my staying in Madrid.  Later we’ll see what God expects from us.

                                       Vicenta María López y Vicuña

She was convinced that this is the WILL OF GOD and considers that no amount of difficulty has the sufficient force to desist her.

BORN!

The Institute is born in its littleness; a sign of the things of God...Vicenta Maria designed a habit that was sober and smart.  She also specifies those who were about to embrace community life and form part in the newly founded religious Institute.

The first three Religious of Mary Immaculate were Pilar de los Rios, Maria Patrocinio de Pazos and Vicenta Maria

June 11, 1876 was the day chosen to officially inaugurate the Institute and the investiture of the habit.

The celebrations were under the guidance and protection of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of the Institute, center of love of the religious and the girls who, during the course of time, would form part of the family of Vicenta Maria.

His Eminence Bishop Ciriaco Maria Sancha Hervas, Auxiliary of Toledo presided the ceremony held in the house in Madrid.  The Institute once dreamt is now a reality!

STEP BY STEP

The work of God was growing, widening its horizons.... Vicenta Maria receives letters from young women wishing to join the newly established Congregation.  On July 16, the Bishop opened the novitiate.  From its beginning, the Blessed Virgin Mary is at the center of its events, keeping the congregation in her heart just as a mother does, putting the desire and enthusiasm of these young girls to follow Jesus.

The new religious lifestyle was going  at an accelerated pace.  The different stages of formation were observed passing from a progressive evolution of one stage to another.  On August 15, Feast of the Assumption, again under the guidance of Mary, six postulants were admitted to the novitiate exactly one month from their entrance.

The Institute keeps going.  Vicenta Maria continually receives letters of support and encouragement for the success of the work.

LOVE AND NOVELTY

The lifestyle Vicenta Maria proposes for her daughters was quite new and had some essential features she constantly reminded them of:  cohesion, family life, unity, A COMMUNITY lived in unconditional love was a value she insisted at all times:  “With this end you have considered to come to the Institute; to live together the same style of life, with your heart and soul in God.”

Vicenta Maria’s spirit spread over the Institute like drops of dew refreshing the earth...in the nuances of love concretized in

WILL OF GOD, “ All my actions have no other end than to fulfill His will.”

CHARITY, “Nothing pleases me more than contemplate you enveloped with the flame of charity.”

MARY, “Pray to the Blessed Virgin to put our Congregation under her mantle.”

SELF-GIVING FOR THE YOUTH, “Procure the benefit of the girls without considering how hard efforts are.”

OBEDIENCE “Teach me to obey, O Lord.”

LOVE AND THE CROSS  

The shadow of the Cross was almost always present in Vicenta Maria’s life.  She often repeated that the duty of a bride of the crucified Christ was to follow His steps and to embrace the cross the moment she discovered the signs of His presence

The great joy of spiritual serenity of her daughters and the consolidation of the Institute united them in suffering:.

• The death of Maria Eulalia and Vicenta Maria’s mother, Nicolasa 

• Letters requesting foundations and the scarcity of personnel to give due response

• Appearance of the first symptoms that alarm a grave illness

• The loss of the capital

God would provide.  Her apostolic zeal was great, greater than these difficulties.  In definite terms her trust in God and love for the youth paved the paths.

For Vicenta Maria, difficulties were never a restraint to love…to self-giving, to service.  When human values fail, the assurance and security in God who would settle everything is strengthened.

FURTHER ON...

Vicenta Maria’s love was so intense that it had no limits.  The goal of her life was to accomplish God’s will.  The Institute had been growing quietly and smoothly, suavely and simply; young people attracted to social work and towards the spirituality of the new Congregation were increasing in number.

The path towards the future was promising...the YOUTH who are the GOAL of the mission are also the guarantee of its development. There are always youth in the world…and they will always meet an open hand to welcome them.

Before 1890, five houses had been opened in different Spanish towns:  Zaragoza, Jerez, Barcelona, Burgos and of course, Madrid, being the first foundation was therefore called, “the Mother House.”  It was moved to Fuencarral on September 1886.

The Church seeing her apostolic work felt the force and impulse of a new work emerging in its bosom.  Like a tender mother, she had been kindling the new project and growing to the breath of the Spirit under the protection of the Mary.  For this reason, the Church issued a Laudatory Decree on April 18, 1888, in which His Holy Father Leon XIII proclaims, “after examining everything and considering the aim the Institute is pursuing, praises and recommends it.” It was indeed a great event.  It was realized at a point when the life of Vicenta Maria was approaching its end.  It was like the Decree was congratulating her, the charming lines, the greeting, the blessing of the Mother Church that encourages to continue the path treaded by the Congregation.

THE END HAS COME

Time passed by without slowing down. It was already 1890.  Mother Vicenta Maria was ready for the perpetual vows which she would pronounce of the 31st of July of the same year

Her vitality was fainting, her heart failing.  The illness had grown its roots in her body and it won’t leave her anymore.  She was exhausted, always feverish, it can be intuited that the end is moving closer.  It is easy to understand that the dark cloud of separation would shadow life from this time onwards.

She was slowly passing.  At one point, the sisters realized that she was so weak, she could no longer go to the chapel anymore.  In order to make it possible for her to approach Jesus in the Eucharist, they put up an oratory near hear room.

The Sisters suffer and pray asking for the Mother’s healing. The girls follow with interest the news they receive…. they all tried to be positive, but the illness was getting worse.  Mother Vicenta was going to leave them…SHE TOO, SUFFERS THAT SHE’S GOING…leaving them alone but she believed that God, who has called them, would sustain them.  She trusted Him…and loved Him so much.

SHE IS GONE..

It is cold...we are in December 26, 1890.  Nobody dared to say it, but Mother was going away.  She was getting close to life’s end and was quite conscious of that.  Her existence, fully marked by love also showed its signs, when she saw her death was approaching…she waited, almost impatiently for the last veil to tear so that she could enter eternity.  All her daughters kept her eyes fixed to the room in Fuencarral where the Mother was slowly fading away. All wanted to be at her side.

Everybody was quiet but Vicenta Maria perceived the sadness in their eyes and the effort they making to show serenity in such a painful moment.  When the time was almost there, she was fearful because she did not want the girls to mourn on Christmas.  She tried to get up and said to them: “I recommend not to cancel the festivities for the girls because of my death, even if my mortal remains would still be here.”

Who could detain the time?  The ticking of the clock was going on rhythmically.  The morning was passing.  From the Mother’s gestures, once could surmise the peace of God coming.  It is the moment the Institute confirm its faith.  At 1:45 she inclines her head softly and entered to her eternal rest.

SHE IS GONE...she had entered the seas of eternity and from there blesses and accompanies her Institute and the girls. (cf.  NOTARIO Concepcion, Huellas de Amor)

BEATIFICATION

At the Vatican Basilica, the major temple of Christianity on February 19,1950, was held the Beatification of Vicenta Maria, being Pope, his Holiness Pius XII and the General Superior of the Congregation Mother Maria de la Redención Navas.  At the center of the altar, the Bishop who presides intones the Te Deum.  The tone of thanksgiving fill the corners of the Basilica among the acclamation of the multitudes who enthusiastically look at the glory of Bernini, while the portrait of Blessed Vicenta Maria was slowly unveiled.  The bells rung for the feast, numerous lamps are lighted, all admiration and praise to the virtues she has in life doing good things.

At the solemn ceremony of her Beatification, the pilgrims numbering to 50,000 vibrate to the majestic cords of the hymn:

"Salve, Blessed Mother, glorious

Heroic model of Christian virtue 

Word that teaches, balsam that heals

Shining star, delicate rose.”

These are the titles of glory that summarize the nuances of her life.

A triduum of thanksgiving is celebrated in the whole Congregation and in Cascante, her natal town, adorned and illuminated, resound the song of the dawn…

Already dawns the solemn day

Filling with glory our town

This day of the Virgin of Romero,

is for Cascante an unequaled day

Vicenta Lopez Vicuña

is raised to the altar in solemnity,

The first woman of Navarra

 Beatified for her sanctity.

Let us celebrate this great day

day of triumphed for our town

This day of our Holy Father

in all Navarra wants to pay homage

for He wants to give us

Vicenta Maria Lopez Vicuña

placed on the altars with solemnity.

 CANONIZATION

Pope Paul VI on May 25, 1975 elevated Vicenta Maria Lopez Vicuña to the honor of the altars proclaiming her Saint.  The Pope in his homily during the canonization among other things said:

Saint Vicenta Maria felt almost pressingly the claim of charity realized in service, something that invites her to lavish her attention on women, above all to the young girl in need, through religious guidance, social assistance, and an authentic Christian exaltation. In a word, promotion in its most complete and elevated meaning.  It is a task by which through modalities that come through the times constitutes an important demand in the actual world

The charism of the foundress has a singular importance in our time.  This demands from you, the Religious of Mary Immaculate, a task and a commitment: a constant and authentic renewal, with your gaze fixed on your Holy Mother Foundress, in order to imitate her example of evangelical perfection, centered on charity and nourished through Eucharistic Adoration and the devotion to the Blessed Mother, outstanding characteristics of St. Vicenta Maria’s spirituality; at the same time her fidelity and love for the Church; in a word, to follow her steps in the spiritual and apostolic life.

As a commitment, charity as social work also constitutes a principal heritage of your Foundress.  As a Congregation with almost 100 years since its foundation, you have employed well this heritage in favor of the promotion of the youth, with joyous appreciation,, dear Religious of Mary Immaculate, here present and all those who were not able to come,  their gaze at this very moment is towards this ecclesial assembly. Courage!  Move ahead!