Saint María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament, also known as Micaela Desmaisières López de Dicastillo, was born on January 1, 1809, in Madrid, Spain. She was the daughter of Miguel Desmaisières y Flores, a high-ranking officer in the Spanish army, and Bernarda López de Dicastillo y Olmeda, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Maria Luisa de Parma of Spain. Micaela grew up in a privileged environment, surrounded by the Spanish and French nobility, as her brother Diego served as a Spanish ambassador, and she often accompanied him on his diplomatic travels. Despite her social status and the opportunities presented to her, Micaela felt a calling to religious life from a young age. She refused numerous marriage proposals and spent a significant amount of time in Eucharistic Adoration. Her mother, Bernarda López de Dicastillo, was known for her charitable works, particularly towards the sick and the poor. These experiences and her upbringing undoubtedly influenced Micaela's own inclination to serve those in need. On February 6, 1844, Micaela had a transformative experience that solidified her vocation. While visiting the Saint John of God Hospital in Madrid, she encountered a young girl from a wealthy family who had been forced into prostitution and subsequently fell into poverty and disenfranchisement. Witnessing the girl's situation deeply affected Micaela, and she resolved to take action to provide a safe haven for women who had been drawn into prostitution as their only means of survival. Using her social connections, Micaela obtained the necessary funds to establish a home for these women. The facility not only offered shelter but also provided religious and secular education to help the women reintegrate into society. However, the demand for assistance grew immensely, quickly overwhelming Micaela's resources and capabilities. On March 1, 1856, Micaela officially founded the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity, an order of sisters dedicated to working with women who had fallen into prostitution. The Handmaids aimed to provide not only physical support but also spiritual guidance and education. Their mission was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1860. During her leadership of the Handmaids, Micaela sought spiritual guidance from Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who became her confessor in 1857. Under her direction, the order expanded its reach and continued to alleviate the suffering of women who had experienced desperate circumstances. Sadly, Micaela's life of service was cut short. While caring for sick women, including many of her Handmaid sisters, she contracted cholera. She passed away on August 24, 1865, in Valencia, Spain, succumbing to the disease. Saint María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament was venerated by the Catholic Church on June 11, 1922, with the declaration of her heroic virtues by Pope Pius XI. She was later beatified on June 7, 1925, and canonized on March 4, 1934, both by Pope Pius XI. Her feast days are celebrated on August 24, with some calendars also recognizing August 25. Saint María Micaela's life serves as an inspiring example of selflessness and dedication to helping the most vulnerable members of society. Her commitment to assisting women who had been victims of prostitution and her efforts in establishing the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity continue to inspire people around the world to this day.
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