Maria del Olvido: Young and Courageous, Witness of Faith and Purity

María del Olvido, a young Claretian and former student of Mary Immaculate College in Carcagente (Valencia, Spain), was born on December 30, 1903. She was a faithful laywoman, an authentic apostle, dedicated and active in serving the people of the local Church. She grew up in a family where she learned to live with courage and strength, and to defend her faith till the end. She was not alone: beside her stood her brother, who shed his blood for Christ in martyrdom. Together they proclaimed with confidence: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!”

María del Olvido gave her life for Christ at the age of 32 during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Her exemplary life reminds us to be witnesses of faith as we face the challenges of today’s world. As Saint Paul says, she is set as an example for all of us “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12).

May Blessed María del Olvido intercede for us, so that we too may proclaim with boldness the Good News of the Lord.