Saint Sister Maria de Jesus Sacramentado Venegas
(1868-1959)

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On May 21, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Mexico’s first woman saint, Sister Maria de Jesus Sacramentado Venegas. Sister Maria dedicated her life to serving the poor and ill.

The Eucharist nourished Sister Maria’s spirituality and vision of ministry. Her love for the Mass fostered a strong combination of prayer united with action. Sister Maria founded the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a religious community that ministers to the poor and sick in West Texas. The religious community moved to Texas in the late 1890s to escape religious persecution in Mexico.

The Daughters of the Scared Heart have had a tremendous impact on West Texas. The people of El Paso and the surrounding region vividly remember the religious community’s works of kindness and service. Sister Maria helped countless families leave the fear of violent persecution behind them. They were able to start new lives and celebrate their religion without fear.

Several of Sister Maria’s relatives traveled to Rome to attend the canonization ceremony. One of their comments captures the beauty and impact of the new saint's life, "Her goodness keeps multiplying."