Venerable Mary of Agreda Spain 17th Century

Feastday not known

Born not known

Died not Known

Born wealthy, one of four children born to Francis and Catherine Coronel. Hers was a pious family, and the entire family eventually entered religious life in 1618 - her father and brothers became Franciscan brothers, Mary, her mother and sister became Franciscan nuns, the castle was converted into a convent, and all the family's wealth was given to the poor. Chosen abbess in 1627, Mary held the position the remaining 38 years of her life. Mystic and visionary, she was given to ecstasies and trances. She had the gift of bilocation; in some of her trances she said she was teaching Christianity to people in foreign lands. A vision of her, known as the “Lady in Blue” was simultaneously reported teaching the native Tiguas and Caddoes in the areas of what are now New Mexico and Texas. She received an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary which led to her enormous work, The Mystical City of God ¹ a monumental four-volume work consisting of visions on the history of the world, the hidden Life of Christ and the Blessed Mother, the early Church and things to come. Venerable Mary saw in ecstasy all the events recorded therein and was later told by the Blessed Virgin to write them down. Acclaimed by Popes, cardinals and theologians her works have inspired the laity and clergy for over 300 years. The process of canonization of Mary of Agreda was promoted by the Spanish Bishops and other eminent men of the Church soon after her death in 1666. It has resulted so far in securing her the title of Venerabilis, thus clearing the way to her beatification, for which, let us hope, God will soon raise a promoter among the many pious and eminent men who hold in esteem her writings and have learned of her holy life and of the miracles wrought at her tomb.

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“It was revealed to me that through the intercession of the Mother of God, all heresies will disappear. This victory over heresies has been reserved by Christ for His Blessed Mother. In the last times the Lord will especially spread the renown of His Mother: Mary began salvation and by her intercession it will be concluded. Before the Second Coming of Christ, Mary must, more than ever, shine in mercy, might and grace in order to bring unbelievers into the Catholic Faith. The powers of Mary in the last times over the demons will be very conspicuous. Mary will extend the reign of Christ over the heathens and Mohamedans and it will be a time of great joy when Mary a Mistress and Queen of Hearts is enthroned…” ²

References

1. Patron Saints Mary of Agreda http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm5z.htm

2. Robert A. Nelson. Prophecy: A History of the Future Internet Version (http://www.rexresearch.com/prophist/phfcon~1.htm)