#blessed-maria-felicia-of-jesus-in-the-blessed-sacrament — Public Fediverse posts

Quote of the day, 28 April: Blessed Chiquitunga

I offer you everything… we offer to you, Jesus! Help me to give due thanks to my heavenly Father, and so increase, Jesus, my fervor, my union with you in the Holy Sacrifice; and let it truly increase in me day by day through prayer and sacrifice, until I die, but die of love!

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, “Chiquitunga”

Our Chiqui, beatified only a few years ago in Paraguay in a beautiful celebration in the stadium of Asunción before thousands of people, is a very timely example of that “holiness next door” of which Pope Francis speaks in Gaudete et exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), the apostolic exhortation on the universal call to holiness. Her life reminds us that the holiness of a consecrated woman can speak to the heart of all, even the laity.

Chiquitunga was a laywoman who immersed herself in the streets of her native Villarrica and Asunción, to the point of being called callejera (a woman constantly out among the people): a Catholic activist, a teacher, and a worker of charity, passionately in love first with her fiancé and then, later, with her cloistered consecration, lived as the fulfillment of all that had gone before.

How she succeeded in this adventure is her mystery, her wisdom—the originality of her message, which is found in her Carmelite religious name: of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. That is, the total offering of self in the Eucharist—another path to holiness that Pope Francis has indicated for the modern world in his motu proprio Maiorem hac dilectionem (Greater Love Than This), a path she embraced to the full.

We need the freshness of Chiquitunga to walk the path of faith with boldness and without fear, with a passionate and vigilant heart that allows itself to be won over, integrating the human and the divine in a covenant of creative and healing friendship.

I ask Chiquitunga to infect us with her passion, totally in love with Jesus—the true key to setting the world ablaze as the first disciples did, transmitting through life and word this incarnate and Eucharistic Love, and welcoming all into this communion.

Let Chiquitunga herself grant you the gift of awakening to this passion.

Father Miguel Márquez Calle, o.c.d.

Tutto ti offro, Signore, Preface

Barco, JF 2025, Tutto ti offro, Signore: vita di María Felicia di Gesù Sacramentato (Chiquitunga), Edizioni OCD, Rome.

Translation from the Italian text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.

Featured image: Blessed Maria Felicia of the Blessed Sacrament—Chiquitunga—on the day of her clothing in the Carmelite habit, 14 August 1955. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites (Used by permission).

28 April: Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggiari Echeverría

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT GUGGIARI ECHEVERRÍA
Virgin

Optional Memorial

María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria, familiarly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espíritu Santo (Paraguay) on January 12, 1925. As a member of Catholic Action she dedicated herself enthusiastically to the service of children, the poor, and the sick, up until the moment, when, at the age of thirty, she entered the Carmel of Asunción. In January 1959, learning that she had been struck by infectious hepatitis, with great generosity and apostolic spirit, she devoted her state of life to God. Thus, she returned to the Father on April 28, 1959, at the age of 34. She was beatified by Pope Francis on June 23, 2018.

From the Common of Virgins, or of Women Saints: Religious

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the “Spiritual Writings” of María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Virgin
(Personal Diary, pp. 192, 223-224, 245, 290; Asunción, Paraguay, 2011)

The apostolate, whether it be prayer or action, is my vocation

I want to develop my life of union with my God, a deep intimacy that costs me so much. How much I would really like to talk to him, without worrying about the time, the moment or the place! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself up with my God so as later to be able to let his word, his example, his life, overflow into all souls!

You know these times of struggle that I am going through. Are they a trial for me, Jesus? Give me strength, oh divine Risen Lord! There are moments of utter discouragement. How will this lack of understanding from my family end, especially from my father? What attitude should I adopt? I am no longer distressed by my state as such, because my consecration is made with all my heart. No, that’s not what worries me; but, in this state of total abandonment that I’m gradually embracing, what will its new face be?

But why am I so troubled, Lord? If I have given myself to you and abandoned myself to you, what am I afraid of? I don’t understand why the Lord is asking me to give myself to him and, above all, I fear this second detachment more than anything else because of its repercussions on people other than myself. Jesus, can’t you make them see some of this too? I beg you, my Lord, to take me, if necessary, or to cripple me before I give in or turn away from you. What would life be worth? What would become of me then? Give me strength for the fight and above all give me much, much love; ardent love for you, Jesus in the Eucharist, for the ideal, for souls. Make me a true apostle!

In the midst of it all, I feel that the apostolate, whether it be prayer or action, is my vocation. But where exactly? My consecration to the Lord is complete; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself. I am impatient because I would like to see myself definitively where I need to be. I suddenly feel a little dejected, downcast, perhaps a little physically unwell.

So, Jesus, in my dryness, I thank you, my God, for the gift of your mercy, for allowing your blood to wash away once again the multitude of my sins, and what sins, Lord!

I surrender myself to you, I don’t know to what, but I surrender; with dread, though, and with cowardice, but I surrender. As never before, I am feeling your power, my dependence on you; and, even so, you see and know how I am! Only with your mercy, trusting in it, do I throw myself into something that surpasses all human strength and even more so my own. Have mercy on me! Help me to want what you want, Jesus. Mother full of grace, you are my Mother! I throw myself into your hands, Mary! Help me to remember all the things I have learnt, how many there are, and to make the most of them, my Mother. Firstly: to live in the convent as if there were only God and I.

Secondly: to see in each of my sisters the image of God, the dwelling place of the Holy Trinity. Third: to be a constant source of consolation for all, without ever overstepping the limits of holy obedience. Fourth: to base my perfection, not on what creatures can appreciate, but on what my Creator knows. Fifth: to die in order to live and to live in order to love.

Responsory
Cf. Phil 3: 8b. 10; Rom 6: 8

R/. For Christ I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Alleluia. * That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings. Alleluia.
V/. If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Alleluia. * That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings. Alleluia.

Prayer

O God,
who in the Virgin Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
gave us an excellent witness of love towards your Son
grant, that, following her example,
we may live in the spirit of the beatitudes
and offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We are grateful to our Discalced Carmelite Friars for providing the English texts of liturgical offices published after the 1993 edition of the Carmelite Proper—Liturgy of the Hours.

Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy

“How could I not tremble, Jesus, before the immensity of Your mercy toward this miserable one, a thousand times unworthy, chosen by You!”

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Chiquitunga

A cracked-open door.
Two hinges: humility and wonder.
Through this door, we catch a glimpse of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — Chiquitunga — a young Carmelite whose soul was shaped by trust in the night and total surrender to Love.

🎙️ Listen to this final episode of Season 2: Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy.

https://youtu.be/H4yH-rVUHI0

As we close this season of Carmelite Quotes Podcast, thank you for listening, praying, and walking with us. Stay tuned for Season 3 — coming soon!

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #darkNight #humility #mercy #misery #Podcast

Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy

“How could I not tremble, Jesus, before the immensity of Your mercy toward this miserable one, a thousand times unworthy, chosen by You!”

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Chiquitunga

A cracked-open door.
Two hinges: humility and wonder.
Through this door, we catch a glimpse of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — Chiquitunga — a young Carmelite whose soul was shaped by trust in the night and total surrender to Love.

🎙️ Listen to this final episode of Season 2: Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy.

https://youtu.be/H4yH-rVUHI0

As we close this season of Carmelite Quotes Podcast, thank you for listening, praying, and walking with us. Stay tuned for Season 3 — coming soon!

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #darkNight #humility #mercy #misery #Podcast

Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy

“How could I not tremble, Jesus, before the immensity of Your mercy toward this miserable one, a thousand times unworthy, chosen by You!”

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Chiquitunga

A cracked-open door.
Two hinges: humility and wonder.
Through this door, we catch a glimpse of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — Chiquitunga — a young Carmelite whose soul was shaped by trust in the night and total surrender to Love.

🎙️ Listen to this final episode of Season 2: Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy.

https://youtu.be/H4yH-rVUHI0

As we close this season of Carmelite Quotes Podcast, thank you for listening, praying, and walking with us. Stay tuned for Season 3 — coming soon!

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #darkNight #humility #mercy #misery #Podcast

Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy

“How could I not tremble, Jesus, before the immensity of Your mercy toward this miserable one, a thousand times unworthy, chosen by You!”

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Chiquitunga

A cracked-open door.
Two hinges: humility and wonder.
Through this door, we catch a glimpse of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — Chiquitunga — a young Carmelite whose soul was shaped by trust in the night and total surrender to Love.

🎙️ Listen to this final episode of Season 2: Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy.

https://youtu.be/H4yH-rVUHI0

As we close this season of Carmelite Quotes Podcast, thank you for listening, praying, and walking with us. Stay tuned for Season 3 — coming soon!

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #darkNight #humility #mercy #misery #Podcast

Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy

“How could I not tremble, Jesus, before the immensity of Your mercy toward this miserable one, a thousand times unworthy, chosen by You!”

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Chiquitunga

A cracked-open door.
Two hinges: humility and wonder.
Through this door, we catch a glimpse of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — Chiquitunga — a young Carmelite whose soul was shaped by trust in the night and total surrender to Love.

🎙️ Listen to this final episode of Season 2: Blessed Chiquitunga: Misery Meets Mercy.

https://youtu.be/H4yH-rVUHI0

As we close this season of Carmelite Quotes Podcast, thank you for listening, praying, and walking with us. Stay tuned for Season 3 — coming soon!

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #darkNight #humility #mercy #misery #Podcast

Quote of the day, 28 April: Blessed Chiquitunga

During her postulancy at the Carmel of Asunción, Blessed Maria Felicia of the Blessed Sacrament (Chiquitunga) passed through a dark night that tested her vocation.

After a month of “heaven” in her new Carmelite life, during Lent of 1955, Sister Maria Felicia began to feel profound insecurity about her choice, made against the advice of almost everyone she knew. She thought: Wasn’t my decision to enter a cloistered monastery simply an act of self-will?—an opinion expressed strongly by the newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Asunción, Monsignor Ramón Bogarín.

From this insecurity came the fear that she had taken the wrong path; the fear produced deep spiritual dryness; and from all of this arose the obsessive temptation: I must leave the cloister… and if I don’t, it’s because I’m a coward.

The community confessor, the same one who had actively resisted her entrance into Carmel, pressured her to decide once and for all. Finally, on 9 August, Sister Maria Felicia made her decision—to leave. She recounts it herself:

Today, I was resolved to leave, but with the anguish of bearing the cross of my infidelity without any merit. The confessor flatly told me to say whether I was leaving or staying. I told him I would leave. A coldness of death came over me, an anguish so deep it even choked back my tears (Spiritual Diary, C, folio 15).

Before giving her final word, Sister Maria Felicia suggested they cast lots—and the confessor, eager to settle the matter once and for all, agreed. Accompanied by the Prioress at that supreme moment, they prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and placed two folded papers at the feet of a statue of Mary.

Sister Maria Felicia drew one. The confessor opened it. It read: I want to die in Carmel.

Immediately, she cried out, convinced and determined: Jesus, my Jesus! Yes, this is Your will.

At the same time, she experienced her weakness and poverty: You see my weaknesses, my cowardice, my fears, my miseries! Alone I can do nothing!

She entrusted everything to the Lord: Jesus, into Your hands I entrust my vocation!

She knew that only He could give her the strength needed to overcome herself, for at times: The weight of Your will is so heavy that I would rather die! I fear sacrifice, I fear the Cross. Help me, Blessed Virgin! Little Jesus of Prague, miracle worker of my vocation! (Spiritual Diary, C, folios 15–16).

Supported by this conviction, trust, and surrender, she renewed the offering she had made from her early youth:

Father! My Father, God of my life. My nothingness—so truly Yours—I offer it back to You today, not knowing how many times I will yet snatch it away again, desperately kicking and screaming to do my own will and not Yours.

In reality, she had never truly withdrawn her will from God. The anguish before the Cross is not a rebellion—just as it was not rebellion in Jesus at Gethsemane.

Still, she renewed her complete surrender:

Here I am, Lord! Your will! But aided by Your strength, Your love, and Your mercy, my God!

Thus, even in the midst of the “dark night,” without emerging from it, in faith, hope, and love, God’s will triumphed.

The Carmelite postulant had died to herself, united to the death of Christ.

Father Julio Félix Barco, o.c.d.

Enseñanzas desde el Carmelo (Lessons from Carmel)

Monte Carmelo 2018, Enseñanzas desde el Carmelo. De los escritos de María Felicia de Jesús Sacramentado-Chiquitunga, no. 1, vol. 126, Monte Carmelo, Burgos. Available at: https://bcd.digicarmel.com (Accessed: 26 April 2025). Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International.

Translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.

Featured image: Blessed Maria Felicia of the Blessed Sacrament—Chiquitunga—on the day of her clothing in the Carmelite habit, 14 August 1955. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites (Used by permission).

⬦ Reflection Question ⬦
Where in my life is Christ asking me to entrust everything to Him, even when I cannot see the way forward?
⬦ Join the conversation in the comments.

#anguish #BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #darkNight #discernment #lottery #mercy #postulant #willOfGod

28 April: Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggeri Echeverría

WORKING TRANSLATION*

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Virgin

Optional Memorial

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Maria Felicia Guggiari Echeverría), commonly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay on January 12, 1925. At the age of 16, she enthusiastically joined Catholic Action and took care of the elderly, the sick, and prisoners. This fruitful apostolic experience, supported by the daily Eucharist, resulted in her consecration to the Lord. She entered the Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, characterized by a life of dedication, deep humility, and great generosity, enveloped in a healthy joy; the motto of her life was: “I OFFER EVERYTHING TO YOU, LORD”. She died at the age of 34, accepting her illness with serenity. She was beatified on June 23, 2018, by the delegate of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B.

From the Common of Virgins

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the writings of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
(Positio, vol. II. Diarios Íntimos; pp. 323, 311, 308, 295, 54, 319, 294, 320, 335; Ltr. 47, p. 622; Ltr. 2b, p. 376)

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation. My consecration to the Lord is done; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself…. But why do I worry, Lord? If I have given myself to You and abandoned myself to You, what do I fear? My Jesus, my only Master, true Master of all my love, for whom I have given and surrendered and accepted ALL! I too would like one day to become a Saint. Give me strength for the struggle and above all give me much, much love, ardent love for You, Eucharistic Jesus, for the Ideal, for souls, make me a true apostle. In all the works I am doing, I try to put the seal of our Christian spirit, because I want everything to be saturated with Christ, and wherever I am, I can leave a ray of His light…. Not because it is me, You know that, Lord!

There, there I intend to be and to fulfill the Holy Father’s request: The presence of the Christian woman in today’s world, and to work until the day has twenty-five hours, until I fall surrendered with happiness for having had everything and having given everything, especially this affection, Lord, which, renewing my offering, I place it once again at your feet: I offer you everything, Lord! I saw myself more than once walking calmly… walking through homes, lavishing even just a smile as a spontaneous fruit of the grace pulsating in our souls, lighting up our bosom with Love, Divine Love. To be apostles, Lord, what a beautiful dream. I never imagined that I would be so happy, bringing comfort to those whose pain makes our life possible.

I want to embrace everything. May I always have a song and a smile on my lips, even if in my heart I bear the wounds of disappointment and misunderstanding, and even if everything around me collapses, may I sing your glories and say to you, “Thank you, Lord!” I am relatively calmer, almost indifferent, as if absent from all things. Above all, I want to increase my life of union with my God, deep intimacy, which I find quite difficult. How much I would really like to converse with Him, without worrying about times, moments, and places! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself with my God and then be able to overflow his word, his example, his life in all souls!

I, on the other hand, have already decided on my vocation: I do not see my happiness outside of a total surrender, of abnegation and sacrifice, and of constant immolation of my life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls and the sanctification of priests!

On Wednesday, February 2, with a simple ceremony, God and the Virgin Mary willing, I will leave everything behind me, to embrace Him alone, the only one who can satisfy the unfathomable anxieties of the heart. My God, Most Holy Trinity, Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I will ask only one thing of you, for the rest, the rest will truly come to me and you will give it to me in addition. What I ask for is Love to be able to love, and with it, I will lack nothing, I will have nothing to spare.

Responsory

R/. Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).
V/. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).

Prayer (Official)

O God,
who in the Virgin Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
gave us an excellent witness of love towards your Son
grant, that, following her example
we may live in the spirit of the beatitudes
and offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*This working translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product, provided as a reference for our readers. This office is based on the official Spanish text, kindly provided by the Central American Province of the Discalced Carmelite Friars; the Discalced Carmelite General Curia provided the closing prayer. We await the complete official English translation approved by the Holy See.

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #Liturgy #optionalMemorial #virgin

28 April: Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggeri Echeverría

WORKING TRANSLATION*

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Virgin

Optional Memorial

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Maria Felicia Guggiari Echeverría), commonly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay on January 12, 1925. At the age of 16, she enthusiastically joined Catholic Action and took care of the elderly, the sick, and prisoners. This fruitful apostolic experience, supported by the daily Eucharist, resulted in her consecration to the Lord. She entered the Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, characterized by a life of dedication, deep humility, and great generosity, enveloped in a healthy joy; the motto of her life was: “I OFFER EVERYTHING TO YOU, LORD”. She died at the age of 34, accepting her illness with serenity. She was beatified on June 23, 2018, by the delegate of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B.

From the Common of Virgins

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the writings of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
(Positio, vol. II. Diarios Íntimos; pp. 323, 311, 308, 295, 54, 319, 294, 320, 335; Ltr. 47, p. 622; Ltr. 2b, p. 376)

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation. My consecration to the Lord is done; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself…. But why do I worry, Lord? If I have given myself to You and abandoned myself to You, what do I fear? My Jesus, my only Master, true Master of all my love, for whom I have given and surrendered and accepted ALL! I too would like one day to become a Saint. Give me strength for the struggle and above all give me much, much love, ardent love for You, Eucharistic Jesus, for the Ideal, for souls, make me a true apostle. In all the works I am doing, I try to put the seal of our Christian spirit, because I want everything to be saturated with Christ, and wherever I am, I can leave a ray of His light…. Not because it is me, You know that, Lord!

There, there I intend to be and to fulfill the Holy Father’s request: The presence of the Christian woman in today’s world, and to work until the day has twenty-five hours, until I fall surrendered with happiness for having had everything and having given everything, especially this affection, Lord, which, renewing my offering, I place it once again at your feet: I offer you everything, Lord! I saw myself more than once walking calmly… walking through homes, lavishing even just a smile as a spontaneous fruit of the grace pulsating in our souls, lighting up our bosom with Love, Divine Love. To be apostles, Lord, what a beautiful dream. I never imagined that I would be so happy, bringing comfort to those whose pain makes our life possible.

I want to embrace everything. May I always have a song and a smile on my lips, even if in my heart I bear the wounds of disappointment and misunderstanding, and even if everything around me collapses, may I sing your glories and say to you, “Thank you, Lord!” I am relatively calmer, almost indifferent, as if absent from all things. Above all, I want to increase my life of union with my God, deep intimacy, which I find quite difficult. How much I would really like to converse with Him, without worrying about times, moments, and places! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself with my God and then be able to overflow his word, his example, his life in all souls!

I, on the other hand, have already decided on my vocation: I do not see my happiness outside of a total surrender, of abnegation and sacrifice, and of constant immolation of my life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls and the sanctification of priests!

On Wednesday, February 2, with a simple ceremony, God and the Virgin Mary willing, I will leave everything behind me, to embrace Him alone, the only one who can satisfy the unfathomable anxieties of the heart. My God, Most Holy Trinity, Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I will ask only one thing of you, for the rest, the rest will truly come to me and you will give it to me in addition. What I ask for is Love to be able to love, and with it, I will lack nothing, I will have nothing to spare.

Responsory

R/. Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).
V/. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).

Prayer (Official)

O God,
who in the Virgin Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
gave us an excellent witness of love towards your Son
grant, that, following her example
we may live in the spirit of the beatitudes
and offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*This working translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product, provided as a reference for our readers. This office is based on the official Spanish text, kindly provided by the Central American Province of the Discalced Carmelite Friars; the Discalced Carmelite General Curia provided the closing prayer. We await the complete official English translation approved by the Holy See.

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #Liturgy #optionalMemorial #virgin

28 April: Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggeri Echeverría

WORKING TRANSLATION*

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Virgin

Optional Memorial

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Maria Felicia Guggiari Echeverría), commonly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay on January 12, 1925. At the age of 16, she enthusiastically joined Catholic Action and took care of the elderly, the sick, and prisoners. This fruitful apostolic experience, supported by the daily Eucharist, resulted in her consecration to the Lord. She entered the Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, characterized by a life of dedication, deep humility, and great generosity, enveloped in a healthy joy; the motto of her life was: “I OFFER EVERYTHING TO YOU, LORD”. She died at the age of 34, accepting her illness with serenity. She was beatified on June 23, 2018, by the delegate of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B.

From the Common of Virgins

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the writings of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
(Positio, vol. II. Diarios Íntimos; pp. 323, 311, 308, 295, 54, 319, 294, 320, 335; Ltr. 47, p. 622; Ltr. 2b, p. 376)

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation. My consecration to the Lord is done; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself…. But why do I worry, Lord? If I have given myself to You and abandoned myself to You, what do I fear? My Jesus, my only Master, true Master of all my love, for whom I have given and surrendered and accepted ALL! I too would like one day to become a Saint. Give me strength for the struggle and above all give me much, much love, ardent love for You, Eucharistic Jesus, for the Ideal, for souls, make me a true apostle. In all the works I am doing, I try to put the seal of our Christian spirit, because I want everything to be saturated with Christ, and wherever I am, I can leave a ray of His light…. Not because it is me, You know that, Lord!

There, there I intend to be and to fulfill the Holy Father’s request: The presence of the Christian woman in today’s world, and to work until the day has twenty-five hours, until I fall surrendered with happiness for having had everything and having given everything, especially this affection, Lord, which, renewing my offering, I place it once again at your feet: I offer you everything, Lord! I saw myself more than once walking calmly… walking through homes, lavishing even just a smile as a spontaneous fruit of the grace pulsating in our souls, lighting up our bosom with Love, Divine Love. To be apostles, Lord, what a beautiful dream. I never imagined that I would be so happy, bringing comfort to those whose pain makes our life possible.

I want to embrace everything. May I always have a song and a smile on my lips, even if in my heart I bear the wounds of disappointment and misunderstanding, and even if everything around me collapses, may I sing your glories and say to you, “Thank you, Lord!” I am relatively calmer, almost indifferent, as if absent from all things. Above all, I want to increase my life of union with my God, deep intimacy, which I find quite difficult. How much I would really like to converse with Him, without worrying about times, moments, and places! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself with my God and then be able to overflow his word, his example, his life in all souls!

I, on the other hand, have already decided on my vocation: I do not see my happiness outside of a total surrender, of abnegation and sacrifice, and of constant immolation of my life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls and the sanctification of priests!

On Wednesday, February 2, with a simple ceremony, God and the Virgin Mary willing, I will leave everything behind me, to embrace Him alone, the only one who can satisfy the unfathomable anxieties of the heart. My God, Most Holy Trinity, Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I will ask only one thing of you, for the rest, the rest will truly come to me and you will give it to me in addition. What I ask for is Love to be able to love, and with it, I will lack nothing, I will have nothing to spare.

Responsory

R/. Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).
V/. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).

Prayer (Official)

O God,
who in the Virgin Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
gave us an excellent witness of love towards your Son
grant, that, following her example
we may live in the spirit of the beatitudes
and offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*This working translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product, provided as a reference for our readers. This office is based on the official Spanish text, kindly provided by the Central American Province of the Discalced Carmelite Friars; the Discalced Carmelite General Curia provided the closing prayer. We await the complete official English translation approved by the Holy See.

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #Liturgy #optionalMemorial #virgin

28 April: Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggiari Echeverría

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT GUGGIARI ECHEVERRÍA
Virgin

Optional Memorial

María Felicia Guggiari Echeverria, familiarly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espíritu Santo (Paraguay) on January 12, 1925. As a member of Catholic Action she dedicated herself enthusiastically to the service of children, the poor, and the sick, up until the moment, when, at the age of thirty, she entered the Carmel of Asunción. In January 1959, learning that she had been struck by infectious hepatitis, with great generosity and apostolic spirit, she devoted her state of life to God. Thus, she returned to the Father on April 28, 1959, at the age of 34. She was beatified by Pope Francis on June 23, 2018.

From the Common of Virgins, or of Women Saints: Religious

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the “Spiritual Writings” of María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Virgin
(Personal Diary, pp. 192, 223-224, 245, 290; Asunción, Paraguay, 2011)

The apostolate, whether it be prayer or action, is my vocation

I want to develop my life of union with my God, a deep intimacy that costs me so much. How much I would really like to talk to him, without worrying about the time, the moment or the place! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself up with my God so as later to be able to let his word, his example, his life, overflow into all souls!

You know these times of struggle that I am going through. Are they a trial for me, Jesus? Give me strength, oh divine Risen Lord! There are moments of utter discouragement. How will this lack of understanding from my family end, especially from my father? What attitude should I adopt? I am no longer distressed by my state as such, because my consecration is made with all my heart. No, that’s not what worries me; but, in this state of total abandonment that I’m gradually embracing, what will its new face be?

But why am I so troubled, Lord? If I have given myself to you and abandoned myself to you, what am I afraid of? I don’t understand why the Lord is asking me to give myself to him and, above all, I fear this second detachment more than anything else because of its repercussions on people other than myself. Jesus, can’t you make them see some of this too? I beg you, my Lord, to take me, if necessary, or to cripple me before I give in or turn away from you. What would life be worth? What would become of me then? Give me strength for the fight and above all give me much, much love; ardent love for you, Jesus in the Eucharist, for the ideal, for souls. Make me a true apostle!

In the midst of it all, I feel that the apostolate, whether it be prayer or action, is my vocation. But where exactly? My consecration to the Lord is complete; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself. I am impatient because I would like to see myself definitively where I need to be. I suddenly feel a little dejected, downcast, perhaps a little physically unwell.

So, Jesus, in my dryness, I thank you, my God, for the gift of your mercy, for allowing your blood to wash away once again the multitude of my sins, and what sins, Lord!

I surrender myself to you, I don’t know to what, but I surrender; with dread, though, and with cowardice, but I surrender. As never before, I am feeling your power, my dependence on you; and, even so, you see and know how I am! Only with your mercy, trusting in it, do I throw myself into something that surpasses all human strength and even more so my own. Have mercy on me! Help me to want what you want, Jesus. Mother full of grace, you are my Mother! I throw myself into your hands, Mary! Help me to remember all the things I have learnt, how many there are, and to make the most of them, my Mother. Firstly: to live in the convent as if there were only God and I.

Secondly: to see in each of my sisters the image of God, the dwelling place of the Holy Trinity. Third: to be a constant source of consolation for all, without ever overstepping the limits of holy obedience. Fourth: to base my perfection, not on what creatures can appreciate, but on what my Creator knows. Fifth: to die in order to live and to live in order to love.

Responsory
Cf. Phil 3: 8b. 10; Rom 6: 8

R/. For Christ I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Alleluia. * That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings. Alleluia.
V/. If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Alleluia. * That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings. Alleluia.

Prayer

O God,
who in the Virgin Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
gave us an excellent witness of love towards your Son
grant, that, following her example,
we may live in the spirit of the beatitudes
and offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We are grateful to our Discalced Carmelite Friars for providing the English texts of liturgical offices published after the 1993 edition of the Carmelite Proper—Liturgy of the Hours.

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #Liturgy #optionalMemorial #virgin

28 April: Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggeri Echeverría

WORKING TRANSLATION*

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Virgin

Optional Memorial

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Maria Felicia Guggiari Echeverría), commonly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay on January 12, 1925. At the age of 16, she enthusiastically joined Catholic Action and took care of the elderly, the sick, and prisoners. This fruitful apostolic experience, supported by the daily Eucharist, resulted in her consecration to the Lord. She entered the Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, characterized by a life of dedication, deep humility, and great generosity, enveloped in a healthy joy; the motto of her life was: “I OFFER EVERYTHING TO YOU, LORD”. She died at the age of 34, accepting her illness with serenity. She was beatified on June 23, 2018, by the delegate of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B.

From the Common of Virgins

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the writings of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
(Positio, vol. II. Diarios Íntimos; pp. 323, 311, 308, 295, 54, 319, 294, 320, 335; Ltr. 47, p. 622; Ltr. 2b, p. 376)

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation. My consecration to the Lord is done; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself…. But why do I worry, Lord? If I have given myself to You and abandoned myself to You, what do I fear? My Jesus, my only Master, true Master of all my love, for whom I have given and surrendered and accepted ALL! I too would like one day to become a Saint. Give me strength for the struggle and above all give me much, much love, ardent love for You, Eucharistic Jesus, for the Ideal, for souls, make me a true apostle. In all the works I am doing, I try to put the seal of our Christian spirit, because I want everything to be saturated with Christ, and wherever I am, I can leave a ray of His light…. Not because it is me, You know that, Lord!

There, there I intend to be and to fulfill the Holy Father’s request: The presence of the Christian woman in today’s world, and to work until the day has twenty-five hours, until I fall surrendered with happiness for having had everything and having given everything, especially this affection, Lord, which, renewing my offering, I place it once again at your feet: I offer you everything, Lord! I saw myself more than once walking calmly… walking through homes, lavishing even just a smile as a spontaneous fruit of the grace pulsating in our souls, lighting up our bosom with Love, Divine Love. To be apostles, Lord, what a beautiful dream. I never imagined that I would be so happy, bringing comfort to those whose pain makes our life possible.

I want to embrace everything. May I always have a song and a smile on my lips, even if in my heart I bear the wounds of disappointment and misunderstanding, and even if everything around me collapses, may I sing your glories and say to you, “Thank you, Lord!” I am relatively calmer, almost indifferent, as if absent from all things. Above all, I want to increase my life of union with my God, deep intimacy, which I find quite difficult. How much I would really like to converse with Him, without worrying about times, moments, and places! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself with my God and then be able to overflow his word, his example, his life in all souls!

I, on the other hand, have already decided on my vocation: I do not see my happiness outside of a total surrender, of abnegation and sacrifice, and of constant immolation of my life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls and the sanctification of priests!

On Wednesday, February 2, with a simple ceremony, God and the Virgin Mary willing, I will leave everything behind me, to embrace Him alone, the only one who can satisfy the unfathomable anxieties of the heart. My God, Most Holy Trinity, Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I will ask only one thing of you, for the rest, the rest will truly come to me and you will give it to me in addition. What I ask for is Love to be able to love, and with it, I will lack nothing, I will have nothing to spare.

Responsory

R/. Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).
V/. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).

Prayer (Official)

O God,
who in the Virgin Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
gave us an excellent witness of love towards your Son
grant, that, following her example
we may live in the spirit of the beatitudes
and offer our lives for your glory and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*This working translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product, provided as a reference for our readers. This office is based on the official Spanish text, kindly provided by the Central American Province of the Discalced Carmelite Friars; the Discalced Carmelite General Curia provided the closing prayer. We await the complete official English translation approved by the Holy See.

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #Liturgy #optionalMemorial #virgin

My God, Most Holy Trinity! Crucified Jesus, Virgin Mary of Carmel! I will ask you for only one thing, because the rest will be given to me, and you will grant it to me as a surplus: I only ask for Love to love, because with this nothing will be lacking, nothing will be left over.

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Chiquitunga)

Pensieri, 217

Note: In this episode, we mention that Chiquitunga entered the Carmel of Asunción in 1954. This was a mistake. Blessed Chiquitunga actually entered Carmel on 2 February 1955. Our apologies for any confusion this may have caused, we appreciate your understanding. We’ve also corrected the biographic note in the liturgical office for her feast day.

Maria Felicia 2019, Pensieri, Edizioni OCD, Roma.

Featured image: This detail of a photo of Blessed Chiquitunga was taken on 14 August 1955, the day of her clothing in the Carmelite habit in the monastery of the Discalced Carmelite nuns of Asunción, Paraguay. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/05/27/mdj2024-ep28/

#BlessedChiquitunga #BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #ChristCrucified #HolyTrinity #Jesus #love #prayer #VirginOfCarmel

Jesus, my Jesus! Yes, this is your will. You see my weaknesses, my cowardice, my fears, my miseries! They cannot do it alone! Jesus into your hands I commend my vocation! Sometimes the weight of your Will is so much that I want to die! I am afraid of sacrifice and the Cross.

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Chiquitunga)

Pensieri, 218

Maria Felicia 2019, Pensieri, Edizioni OCD, Roma.

Featured image: Paraguayan artist Koki Ruiz created the altarpiece for Chiquitunga’s beatification Mass in Asunción from 70,000 rosaries donated worldwide. Our view is only a screenshot of the finished product, captured during the broadcast of the beatification. Image credit: ABC TV Paraguay (Fair use)

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/05/27/chiqui-pens218/

#BlessedChiquitunga #BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #cross #fear #Jesus #misery #sacrifice #vocation #weakness #willOfGod

WORKING TRANSLATION*

April 28
BLESSED MARIA FELICIA OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Virgin

Optional Memorial

Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (Maria Felicia Guggiari Echeverría), commonly known as Chiquitunga, was born in Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay on January 12, 1925. At the age of 16, she enthusiastically joined Catholic Action and took care of the elderly, the sick, and prisoners. This fruitful apostolic experience, supported by the daily Eucharist, resulted in her consecration to the Lord. She entered the Carmel of Asunción on February 2, 1955, characterized by a life of dedication, deep humility, and great generosity, enveloped in a healthy joy; the motto of her life was: “I OFFER EVERYTHING TO YOU, LORD”. She died at the age of 34, accepting her illness with serenity. She was beatified on June 23, 2018, by the delegate of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B.

From the Common of Virgins

Office of Readings

Second Reading
From the writings of Blessed Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
(Positio, vol. II. Diarios Íntimos; pp. 323, 311, 308, 295, 54, 319, 294, 320, 335; Ltr. 47, p. 622; Ltr. 2b, p. 376)

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation

Amidst all this, I feel that the apostolate, whether of prayer or of action, is my vocation. My consecration to the Lord is done; nothing belongs to me anymore, nor do I belong to myself…. But why do I worry, Lord? If I have given myself to You and abandoned myself to You, what do I fear? My Jesus, my only Master, true Master of all my love, for whom I have given and surrendered and accepted ALL! I too would like one day to become a Saint. Give me strength for the struggle and above all give me much, much love, ardent love for You, Eucharistic Jesus, for the Ideal, for souls, make me a true apostle. In all the works I am doing, I try to put the seal of our Christian spirit, because I want everything to be saturated with Christ, and wherever I am, I can leave a ray of His light…. Not because it is me, You know that, Lord!

There, there I intend to be and to fulfill the Holy Father’s request: The presence of the Christian woman in today’s world, and to work until the day has twenty-five hours, until I fall surrendered with happiness for having had everything and having given everything, especially this affection, Lord, which, renewing my offering, I place it once again at your feet: I offer you everything, Lord! I saw myself more than once walking calmly… walking through homes, lavishing even just a smile as a spontaneous fruit of the grace pulsating in our souls, lighting up our bosom with Love, Divine Love. To be apostles, Lord, what a beautiful dream. I never imagined that I would be so happy, bringing comfort to those whose pain makes our life possible.

I want to embrace everything. May I always have a song and a smile on my lips, even if in my heart I bear the wounds of disappointment and misunderstanding, and even if everything around me collapses, may I sing your glories and say to you, “Thank you, Lord!” I am relatively calmer, almost indifferent, as if absent from all things. Above all, I want to increase my life of union with my God, deep intimacy, which I find quite difficult. How much I would really like to converse with Him, without worrying about times, moments, and places! I need it so much that I hope to be able to have those days to fill myself with my God and then be able to overflow his word, his example, his life in all souls!

I, on the other hand, have already decided on my vocation: I do not see my happiness outside of a total surrender, of abnegation and sacrifice, and of constant immolation of my life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls and the sanctification of priests!

On Wednesday, February 2, with a simple ceremony, God and the Virgin Mary willing, I will leave everything behind me, to embrace Him alone, the only one who can satisfy the unfathomable anxieties of the heart. My God, Most Holy Trinity, Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I will ask only one thing of you, for the rest, the rest will truly come to me and you will give it to me in addition. What I ask for is Love to be able to love, and with it, I will lack nothing, I will have nothing to spare.

Responsory

R/. Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).
V/. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. * Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (alleluia).

Prayer

Good and merciful Father,
You who offer us in Blessed Maria Felicia
a living testimony of love for your Son Jesus Christ
in the joy of the beatitudes:
grant us, through her intercession,
to be conquered by that same love,
and to offer our lives for your glory
and the salvation of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*This working translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product, provided as a reference for our readers. This translation is based on the official Spanish text, kindly provided by the Central American Province of the Discalced Carmelite Friars. We await the official English translation approved by the Holy See, which will be distributed by the Discalced Carmelite General Curia.

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/04/24/chiquilit24/

#BlessedMariaFeliciaOfJesusInTheBlessedSacrament #Chiquitunga #Liturgy #optionalMemorial #virgin