St. Mariana de Jesús Paredes y Flores

**St. Mariana de Jesús Paredes y Flores** (1618–1645), known as the **Lily of Quito** (*La Azucena de Quito*), is Ecuador's first canonized saint. Born in Quito on October 31, 1618, Mariana was orphaned at age seven and raised by her elder sister. She made vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience at age ten and lived as a recluse in her family home, dedicating herself to prayer, penance, and works of charity. She started Quito's first free clinic and a kindergarten for indigenous children. In 1645, when earthquakes and epidemics struck Quito, she publicly offered herself as a victim for the city's sins. The disasters subsided, but Mariana fell ill and died on May 26, 1645, at age 26. According to tradition, a pure white lily sprouted from her blood after death, giving her the title "Lily of Quito." She was beatified in 1853 by Pope Pius IX and canonized on July 9, 1950 by Pope Pius XII. The Republic of Ecuador has declared her a *Heroína de la Patria*. Her incorrupt body is enshrined at the Church of La Compañía de Jesús in Quito. **Feast Day:** May 26