Venezuela Is Getting Its First Female Saint; Know About Her

Venezuela celebrates a historic milestone as it prepares to welcome its first female saint, Maria Carmen Rendiles. On Monday, Pope Francis officially approved the canonisation of Blessed Maria Carmen Rendiles by recognising a miracle attributed to her.

As the founder of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Jesus, her legacy of faith and service now paves the way for becoming a saint. While a date for the ceremony is yet to be announced, her recognition marks a very significant moment in Venezuela’s history of religion.

Who Was Carmen Rendiles?

Born on August 11, 1903, in Caracas, Venezuela, Maria Carmen Rendiles dedicated her life to faith and service completely. She lost her father at a very young age, thus she helped her mother support their family while working at a local parish.  

In 1927, she joined a French congregation in Venezuela and became a novice at 24. She wished to expand her religious mission, which is why she founded an autonomous congregation in 1961 with the support of the local Catholic hierarchy. She was born without an arm, yet she led an exemplary Christian life, inspiring others with her devotion.  

In 1995, several catholic leaders in Venezuela petitioned for her canonisation. She was beatified in 2018, and now, with Pope Francis' approval, she is set to become Venezuela's first female saint.

A Miraculous Healing

According to the Vatican, Maria Carmen Rendiles was miraculously able to cure a young woman diagnosed with a type of hydrocephalus, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain.

The story of the miracle which leads to Maria Carmen Rendiles' canonisation involves a critically ill young woman whose condition worsened until a special Mass was held at Rendiles' grave. As loved ones prayed for her recovery, she touched Rendiles' portrait—and her health began improving rapidly.

According to the Holy See, her complete, and long-lasting recovery was claimed to be "scientifically inexplicable," which cleared the path for Rendiles' sainthood.  

Another Venezuelan Saint

Earlier this year, Pope Francis also approved the canonisation of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández. Jose was born on October 26, 1864, and popularly known as "the poor's doctor," Hernández was the very first Venezuelan layperson to be beatified, marking yet another significant moment in the nation's religious history.