Paraguay today celebrates the centenary of the birth of María Felicia de Jesús Sacramentado, popularly known as “Chiquitunga,” the first Paraguayan woman beatified by the Catholic Church. Born in the city of Villarrica in 1925, Chiquitunga stood out for her life of profound faith, service and dedication to others.
From an early age, María Felicia showed her religious vocation through her Catholic devotion and service to others. She entered Catholic Action in Villarrica, where she began to collaborate in various community activities. In 1955, she entered the Order of the Discalced Carmelites of the Most Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, adopting the name María Felicia de Jesús Sacramentado. During her time in the order, Chiquitunga dedicated her life to prayer, community work and, above all, to helping those most in need, particularly the unprotected.
Chiquitunga died in 1959, but her example and legacy lived on in the memories of those who knew and loved her. In 1997, under the papacy of John Paul II, her beatification process began, and in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI recognised her as “Venerable.” Finally, on June 23, 2018, she was beatified by Pope Francis, becoming the first Paraguayan woman to receive this recognition.
The miracle attributed to Chiquitunga
One of the most notable parts of any beatification process in the Catholic Church is the requirement for a “miracle” to be credited to the person being made a saint. For Chiquitunga, this came in 2002, 43 years after her death, when a child born in San Pedro del Ycuamandyyú, Ángel Ramón, was declared dead after birth. However, after being entrusted to Chiquitunga by the nurse who assisted him, the child miraculously revived.
Angel Ramon, now an adult, still considers Chiquitunga a saint and entrusts himself to her at every important moment of his life. Angel’s family said they “celebrated with great emotion” upon hearing about Chiquitunga being made a saint.
According to those who knew her, Chiquitunga demonstrated throughout her life a deep devotion and an exemplary commitment to serving others. In addition to her religious life, her love for the most vulnerable, her joy and perseverance made her a model of virtue.
In honour of the celebration of Chiquitunga’s birthday, a series of activities open to the public will be held today at the Discalced Carmelite Monastery, located at Nuestra Señora del Carmen 1141, corner of San Rafael, Asunción. At 5:30 p.m. confessions can be made, followed by the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Then, at 6:30 p.m., a solemn Eucharist will be celebrated for the birth of Chiquitunga, and at 7:30 p.m., a snack will be offered in his honour.
The government issued a decree declaring the commemoration of the centenary of her birth to be of national interest, as a way to honour her legacy and spread her Christian values of love for one’s neighbour, unwavering faith and selfless service.
