294 Years of devotion: Sister María de Jesús de León y Delgado, the Little

294 Years of devotion: Sister María de Jesús de León y Delgado, the Little Servant of the Canary Islands, on the way to the altars

15-02-25

The Servant of God Sister María de Jesús de León y Delgado, popularly known as ‘La Siervita’, continues to arouse fervent devotion in the Canary Islands. Every 15 February, thousands of the faithful flock to the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena in San Cristóbal de La Laguna to venerate her incorrupt body and participate in a ceremony charged with mysticism and spirituality. Her beatification process is still ongoing, with more than 1,200 miracles attributed to her intercession.

A legacy of faith and miracles

Sister María de Jesús was born on 23 March 1643 in El Sauzal, Tenerife. From her childhood she showed mystical inclinations, standing out for her deep devotion to the Child Jesus. Despite the adversities she faced, including the loss of her parents and episodes of child abduction and exploitation, her faith never wavered. She is invoked as a protector against these evils, as she miraculously escaped from her captors on several occasions.

In 1668, she entered the Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena as a lay sister, having discarded other religious options following a revelatory dream. Throughout her life, she witnessed various prodigies, such as levitation, clairvoyance and bilocation. One of the most striking testimonies of her sanctity comes from the corsair Amaro Pargo, who claimed that Sister Maria de Jesus appeared to him in Cuba to save him from a pirate attack.

The miracle of her incorrupt body

When she died on 15 February 1731, her body was buried in the convent, and years later, when it was exhumed, it was found to be incorrupt, which increased her reputation for sanctity. Amaro Pargo, his faithful devotee, donated a special sarcophagus for his preservation. Since then, her body has been kept in the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena and is exhibited to the public every 15th February and the following Sunday, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the Canary Islands and other parts of the world.

A tradition of faith and hope

The opening of his sarcophagus is an act that can only be performed with three keys turning in opposite directions. This knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation among the nuns of the convent, members of the clergy and representatives of La Laguna Town Council, who guard this tradition with deep respect.

The commemoration events include a pilgrimage from her home town, El Sauzal, to La Laguna, where the town councils of both localities organise a special Eucharist and a floral offering in her honour. Devotion to ‘La Siervita’ has only grown over time, with numerous testimonies of favours granted and miracles attributed to her intercession.

The process of beatification

The road to sainthood of Sister María de Jesús de León y Delgado has been a long one. Her beatification process began in the 19th century, but was formally reopened in 1992 and is currently in the Roman phase. Despite more than 1,200 documented miracles, the process is still under evaluation by the Holy See.

The faithful and scholars are hopeful that she will soon be declared blessed and, eventually, a saint. Her spiritual legacy, marked by a life of dedication, miracles and unwavering devotion, continues to enlighten generations of believers in the Canaries and beyond.

Press contact: Sergio Jesús León Pérez | redmundialturismoreligiosocan@gmail.com

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