Last Sunday, a Jubilee Mass for adolescents, young people, and people with disabilities was celebrated in the Basilica of Caacupé, Paraguay's most representative sanctuary. The day coincided with Family Day and Divine Mercy Sunday, and the Mass was officiated by Father Carlos Julio Medina of the Carmelite Order. In his homily, Father Medina commemorated Saint María Felicia de Jesús Sacramentado, affectionately known as "Chiquitunga," Paraguay's first blessed, reflecting on her life and faith on the eve of the 66th anniversary of her death (April 28th).
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Saint Chiquitunga's birth, Father Medina hailed her as a "woman of youth and vitality dedicated to her neighbors, especially the most vulnerable in society, and to the Church." He also emphasized that she is an excellent Christian role model for the adolescents, young people, and people with disabilities participating in the Jubilee celebration.
"The Blessed had a strong missionary spirit and awareness that to know Jesus, one must make Him known," said Father Medina, quoting from Saint Chiquitunga's diary. The diary entry read: "May the passion of my heart be transformed into a strong union with You, into an intense apostolic activity for Your glory and the salvation of souls, and into a strong self-denial. May I live only for You, by You, and in You, my beloved Master." Father Medina described her as "deeply captivated by Jesus, by God, and by apostolic activity."
Father Medina stated that a constant in Saint Chiquitunga's life was her desire for "total consecration." She wanted no compromise in following God and sought to offer her whole being completely. Father Medina once again quoted the saint, saying, "O Holy King of Love, I long for total consecration. Jesus, my only and true love, for You I give, entrust, and accept everything entirely."
Father Carlos Julio Medina introduced a record from December 1, 1954, in which Saint Chiquitunga visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé to pray. She wrote: "My Mother, in the Shrine of Caacupé, I desire to belong only to You. Mother, take me by the hand as you take a small child and lead me to Him who is the only and absolute love of my heart. I cannot express enough gratitude to You and through You to Him. I deserve nothing, but here I am before You. I feel within me a burning passion to consecrate myself, to sacrifice myself, and to be consumed for God and for my brothers and sisters."
She continued, "Mother, offering my whole being, I come to this throne of Caacupé to present these three specific petitions to You."
Father Medina reminded the congregation of the phrase Saint Chiquitunga often repeated, "Lord, I give You everything," explaining that through this prayer, she entrusted her vocation to the Virgin Mary and made three specific requests.
The first petition was for the Virgin Mary to protect her vocation. The second was for her family, who were experiencing serious conflict due to her decision to pursue a religious vocation. She implored the peace of Jesus to dwell in her family and home. Father Medina commented, "Many of us identify with this petition, especially today as our country celebrates Family Day." He then introduced the saint's third petition.
"You know the steps, actions, and ideals of all Your children. Especially in this year dedicated to You, You know the deepest thoughts and efforts of those who make a special effort to know You, love You, serve You, and through You, serve Christ, and their concerns for You," Saint Chiquitunga recorded.
She further added, "Bless our families, our priests, our seminarians, and our beloved Catholic Action. Finally, Mother of my soul, bless everyone. Although the sacrifice of my life may be worthless, may it reach, with a profound Catholic spirit, every place in the world, to the last corner of the earth."
Father Medina emphasized that more than 70 years ago, Saint Chiquitunga came to Caacupé to pray for the faithful and offered her life for the peace of all families and for those dedicated to spreading the Gospel: catechists, youth groups, religious, priests, and seminarians.
"Her desire was that her sacrifice would reach the last corner of the earth, even though, with deep humility, she knew her offering was an unmerited grace. In this time of the Jubilee, under the theme of pilgrims of hope, let us be encouraged and enlightened by the testimony of her boundless love and dedication to the Church," said Father Medina.
Furthermore, he stressed that on the eve of Saint Chiquitunga's feast day, she invites us to fix our gaze on the Risen Jesus. "Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to overcome our cowardice, disunity, and lack of dedication as members of the Church and to be messengers of God's infinite mercy," he concluded.
Saint Chiquitunga (Saint María Felicia de Jesús Sacramentado): Born on January 10, 1925, in San Juan Bautista de las Misiones, Paraguay, and died in Asunción on April 28, 1959. A passionate Catholic and servant, she dedicated herself to helping the poor and sick. She was beatified in 2018 and is Paraguay's first female saint. Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé: An important religious center in Paraguay, known as the site of a Marian apparition, visited by numerous pilgrims each year. Jubilee Mass: A Mass celebrated to commemorate a specific anniversary or special period. Divine Mercy Sunday: The first Sunday after Easter, commemorating the infinite mercy of Jesus Christ. Family Day: A day celebrated on different dates in different countries to reflect on the importance of family and promote family relationships. Family Day in Paraguay is May 15th.
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