Pope Francis welcomed pilgrims from Argentina for the canonization of Blessed Maria Antonia of Saint Joseph de Paz y Figueroa, known as Mama Antula, and lauded her holiness, faith, and determination, noting that her reliance on God was evident in her actions and choices.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The Pope shared that the journey to holiness involves having trust and surrender, citing the example of Blessed Maria Antonia’s arrival in Buenos Aires with only a crucifix and bare feet, demonstrating her trust in God’s providence and her dedication to his work.
During an audience at the Vatican with pilgrims from Argentina who traveled to Rome for the canonization, Pope Francis reiterated the significance of trust and abandonment in the pursuit of holiness, drawing inspiration from the example of Mama Antula.
Mama Antula, an Argentine nun, founded the House for Spiritual Exercises of Buenos Aires and will be canonized on 11 February 2024, the anniversary of the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes. She was born in 1730 in Silipica, Santiago del Estero, and passed away on 7 March 1799 in the Argentinian capital.
The Pope emphasized that Mama Antula’s life exemplified the beauty of following Christ by embracing God’s call in everyday life, which he believed should be centered on glorifying God and ensuring the salvation of souls.
Pope Francis noted that Mama Antula’s commitment to providing spiritual exercises was deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality, especially during a period when the Society of Jesus was suppressed and she continued to offer the exercises discreetly.
He highlighted her perseverance in the face of adversity, encouraging others not to waver in their efforts to spread the Gospel, even in challenging environments where faith may be met with resistance.
The Pope also urged the faithful to emulate Mama Antula’s devotion to Saint Joseph and her profound love for the Eucharist, inviting pilgrims to embrace and embody the virtues she exemplified for the Argentinean people and the global Church.
As the Pope concluded, he asked for Mama Antula’s intercession in guiding and supporting the faithful in their journey towards the Kingdom of God.
