Venerable Mary of Jesus of Agreda -the Blue nun

     This wonderful woman, yet to be a Saint but noted as Venerable, was a Mystic and spiritual writer in the 1600s. Just two of her noted traits. Others being gifted with bilocation, with reports that by the aid of Angels was transported to settlements of a people called "Jumanos". Indians of New Spain, what we now call Texas and New Mexico. They were people who settled there seeking protection from the Apaches. She became Abbess at just 25 years old. Her mother Catalina and her daughters converted their family home into a monastery called the "Monastery of the Immaculate Conception" and started the Order of the Conceptionists. Naming it this because of their great devotion to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Catalina, Mary's mother, had a vision that she was to turn the family home into a Monastery in which both she and her daughters were to commit their lives as nuns. There was first resistance by Catalina's husband and brother, Medel, who considered this arrangement of violation of the marriage vows. The father's resistance lasted for 3 years, but in 1618, entered into the Franciscan Friary as a lay brother in San Antonio in Nalda. Venerable Mary's brothers had become friars of the Franciscans and they continued their studies toward priesthood in Burgos.

     Vanderable Mary of Jesus, was inclined to the "internal prayer". These prayerful experiences led to religious ecstasies including levitation. The Jumano Indians had indicated that the "lady in blue" had visited them, thus deeming her the "blue nun". Her body lies incorrupt and she remains a great symbol of deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus. 

     Another wonderful example of Saints who walked among us. Smile then and take tender heart at everyone in your path. You never know. You could just be smiling at the Saint.