Today we celebrate the birth of Sister María Angustias Giménez Vera (August 21, 1849, Granada), a woman of profound simplicity and faith, whose hospitaller heart marked a turning point in history.
In her youth she met María Josefa Recio, and under the guidance of St. Benito Menni, together they discovered their vocation: to bring hope and care to women suffering from mental illness, who at that time were often abandoned.
In 1880, they left Granada and arrived in Ciempozuelos (Madrid), where they embraced a courageous mission. On May 31, 1881, María Angustias took the religious habit as Sister Heart of Jesus, joining other young women in beginning the novitiate that would give life to the Congregation of the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Three years later, in 1885, she made her perpetual vows, consecrating herself fully to humble and compassionate service.
Her death on August 2, 1897, in San Baudilio de Llobregat (Barcelona), did not put an end to her mission. Today she rests in Ciempozuelos, alongside St. Benito Menni and María Josefa Recio, pillars of the Hospitaller family. Her life continues to inspire us with her example of dedication and hospitality.
Commemorating this anniversary is not only about remembering a life, but about renewing our commitment. May the testimony of Sister María Angustias encourage us to cultivate hospitality as a daily act of love. May every gesture, word, and act of care we offer reflect her spirit of faith and humble service.