Saint Marianna of Jesus, 1618–1645
May 26

Saint Marianna of Jesus was born in Quito, a city in Ecuador, South America. She was from a noble family. At an early age, she promised to live a holy life in poverty. She spent much time in prayer and doing of penance. At first her name was Marianna de Paredes. Because she wanted to be sure she always showed her respect for the Name of Jesus, she added his name to hers. When earthquakes and disease came to her city, she prayed. The city was saved. She is considered a national hero of Ecuador.

Discuss: How do you show respect for the name of God?

Saint Marianna of Jesus was born in Quito, a city in Ecuador, South America. She was from a noble family. At an early age, she promised to live a holy life in poverty. She spent much time in prayer and doing acts of penance. At first her name was Marianna de Paredes. Because she wanted to be sure she always showed her respect for the Name of Jesus, she added his name to hers. When earthquakes and disease came to her city, she prayed. The city was saved. She is considered a national hero of Ecuador, and is often called the “Lily of Quito.”

Saint Marianna is a patron of the Americas, and against illness and loss of parents. She was orphaned at a young age, and raised in her sister’s home. She wanted to become a Dominican nun, but instead became a hermit; other than to go to church, she never left her sister’s house again. Marianna is often shown with a lily and a skull.

Activity
Respect
Verbal/Linguistic

Have the child complete an acrostic of the name of Jesus.

• Ask the child to write the name Jesus vertically on the page.
• Have them write a word of respect for each letter in his name.

J
E
S
U
S