Venerable Teresita Gonzalez-Quevedo
Her secret was Mary - 3
Sister Mary Elizabeth
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Venerable Teresita Gonzalez-Quevedo Her secret was Mary - 3 Sister Mary Elizabeth |
[Published in From the House Top - The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Still River, Massachusetts, USA, 2004, pp.1-20.] - Website:
www.saintbenedict.com.
Code of Amiability –
"If the Madonna wishes it" -- The Holy Year of Pius XII – The Cross
Extreme Unction and Final Vows – On the Cross –
"For Him alone I lived!" – The Glory
Code of Amiability
Sister Maria Teresa's virtues could not help but be noticed by those who shared the novitiate with her. She went out of her way to visit the sick, and assist her fellow novices and Sisters in any way she could. It was said that amiability was her most outstanding virtue. On a large picture of Our Lady with the Holy Child in her arms, she wrote her "Code of Amiability":
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with a fellow postulant. |
"The virtue of amiability results from the fusion of several strong virtues. It is the all things to all men that grows out of charity: the knowledge of self that humility teaches; the pure detachment found in mortification; the meekness born of patience; and the undaunted courage won of perseverance... The Code of Amiability obliges one:
1. To smile until a kindly smile forms readily on one's lips.
2. To repress a sign of impatience at the very start.
3. To add a word of benevolence when giving orders.
4. To reply positively when asked to do a favor.
5. To lend a helping hand to the unfortunate.
6. To please those toward whom one feels repugnance.
7. To study and satisfy the tastes of those with whom one lives.
8. To respect everyone.
9. To avoid complaining.
10. To correct, if one must, with kindness.
These are the dispositions which union with the amiable Virgin will place in our heart."
One can see much of the influence of Saint Therese of Lisieux in the manner in which Teresita emphasizes the little aspects of perfection, rather than the spectacular in penance and mortification. As a novice, she read The Storv of a Soul, the autobiography of Saint Therese, and commented that she loved her "little way" and agreed with its philosophy. But to her, this little way must be carried a little further in that it must be extended to the "Total Consecration to Mary" of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort's "True Devotion."
Her uncle, Father Jesus Quevedo s.j., said of her, "Teresita was a refined soul, amiable and humble. In my opinion, her love for Our Lady surpassed the ordinary love of a devotee of Mary. Something about it was contagious. At least it was for me! I have never before had contact with a soul whose devotion to the Blessed Mother influenced my own as did that of Teresita... Teresita impresses me as a person who has received a special grace from Our Blessed Lady, a grace which, according to Saint John of the Cross, few receive."
When Father Jesus asked her how she first became devoted to Madrecita, she confided to him that she believed that Our Lady herself gave her this devotion.
Again, as her patroness, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Sister Maria Teresa felt she could still retain a great love for her family and yet be pleasing to God. One letter to her brother, Luis, showed that she thought of him often, assisting him with her prayers and sacrifices:
"We have begun the novena of grace to Saint Francis Xavier and I am praying for one intention-that you will pass your engineering courses with flying colors. In my daily prayers to Our Lady, I ask her to keep you good. It is important for God to have fine Christian men to carry His torch in the world today..."
She wrote this prayer for her family, "...Eternal Father, I pray deeply and lovingly for Mama and Papa, Carmen and Luis, that their path to salvation may be filled with divine love, grace and mercy. Be good to all my relatives-all of them-to my friends and to my enemies. May all be saved!"
As her patroness, Teresita desired to be a missionary in a foreign country. Soon after she had become a novice, the novices were informed that the Institute's newly formed Chinese mission would soon be ready to receive Sisters, and they were asked how they felt about this new prospect. After discussion of the matter, they were asked to write a paper on the subject. Teresita's simply said, "I should like very much to be a missionary and I understand clearly what hardships such a life will offer me."
That same evening on a holy card of a Chinese Madonna, she wrote, "My dear Mother Mary, if it is your wish, I would like to go to the missions. May God's holy will be done!" She too, as her patroness Saint Therese of Lisieux, prayed for the success of the missions, offering many small sacrifices to Our Lady. But as her patroness was also prevented, Teresita would never cross the ocean.
"If the Madonna wishes it"
The month of May 1949, found Sister Maria Teresa with a bad cold and persistent cough, and she offered this little trifle to her Madrecita as a little bouquet. Because she did not seem to be getting any better, the community doctor was called and he diagnosed her illness as a severe case of bronchitis, and a specialist whom her father called in added that it might be developing into pleurisy. Concern for the health of the young novice caused some anxiety to the community.
A few days passed and her father examined his daughter and was struck with the similarity of Teresita's condition and that of his sister, Martha, when she was ill and died at the age of twenty. Dr. Callixto knew the rules about a religious having to be in good health in order to be able to carry out the work of the religious institute and discussed the matter with Mother Superior. He expressed his thoughts about taking her back home if she didn't improve.
When this was told to Teresita, she trembled at the thought of returning to the world, but resignedly answered, "If the Madonna wishes it, then I will accept it." It was thought that maybe a trip to the mountains or going to some other location might help her to get better. Her father gave her new medicine and gave her three days to get better. If her health did not improve, then he would take her home.
However, the antibiotic, given by injection, proved successful, and slowly she regained her health. She immediately wanted to return to perfect observance of the Rules, but she was permitted to only gradually work into the regular routine, and was not even allowed to participate in the Spiritual Exercises for the annual retreat in June, preached by her uncle, Father Jesus. However, he gave both her and another ill novice some private lectures.
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"Sister Maria-Teresa of Jesus". |
Her uncle had been opposed to her entrance into religious life and privately commented to her that she was too young. "Uncle, we must give the Lord our first fruits!" When he pointed out that the life of the Carmelites was very difficult, Teresita's retort was that she knew she wasn't entering to play the piano.
Sister's health fully returned and she resumed community life. The first year as a novice was completed and she entered into the second and final year of novitiate. Once during a discussion with another novice she gave her opinion:
"To become a saint one must take two definite steps: one toward abandonment, the other toward confidence. In other words, one must break all attachments, no matter how holy, and place her soul in Mary's hands, confident that she will offer it to Christ in a manner worthy of Him. Since God will not refuse His Mother anything, He will accept her offering and fashion the soul after His, which means that it will `become perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect'."
Her wisdom was far beyond her years and came from a deep union with Our Lady.
The Holy Year of Pius XII
In Advent, 1949, there was much excitement about the upcoming Holy Year preparations. The dogma of Our Lady's Assumption into Heaven was to be proclaimed by the Holy Father Pius XII before the end of the Holy Year.
While the likely conversation continued, Sister Maria Teresa mysteriously stated that she was sure that Our Lady was going to grant her a very unique privilege. Of course this brought on a myriad of questions from the room full of Sisters during their recreation. She seemed to stop short and hold back on revealing more.
But, finally the novices prevailed upon her. "Since there will be a new dogma in honor of Our Lady's prerogatives proclaimed this year, there are certain privileges bound to be extended by Our Lady to little exiles here on earth. Something tells me that one of those privileges will be mine."
Then came the startling statement: "Sisters, I believe I am going to celebrate the new dogma in Heaven." Various reactions ensued: some laughed, some protested, but not one person took her seriously. Sister Maria Teresa remained steadfast. "Hermanitas, everyone of you will probable sing my Requiem before the close of 1950. I know I shall be with my Mother on her glorious day."
Only Mother Carmen seemed to believe her, but laughed it off, saying, "Before you make reservations for that flight to Heaven, my dear little Sister, there is a retreat debt to be settled with Our Lord." Teresita and another novice had been too weak to make the ten-day July retreat with the community and arrangements were made for the two palomitas (little doves), as Mother Carmen called the novices, to make it at a later time in September.
Sister Maria Teresa made the private retreat with great fervor. "I am beginning this retreat resolved to make a good one because I need it. I am prepared to be completely generous with God... I have given myself to God unreservedly. I expect nothing from Him in return except the privilege of being united with my Mother Mary in Him."
The retreat time flew quickly by.
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[Design of Amelia Ippolito] |
The Cross
A few weeks later, January 18, Sister Maria Teresa admitted to Mother Carmen that she had been suffering from a very bad headache. At that time some of the novices were sick with the flu, and assuming it was just one more case, Mother was not too concerned. After a day in the infirmary, Sister resumed her duties. But around five o'clock after her last class, she asked one of the other novices to put her books back for her in the novitiate because she felt very sick. She was again sent to the infirmary.
The next morning Mother Carmen called her brother and told him that his daughter was quite ill with severe headache and fever. Dr. Quevedo arrived within the hour. Calixto teased his daughter for visiting the infirmary again. He examined her and then visited briefly with her. His jovial exterior hid his true feelings.
He then left her and spoke with Mother Carmen outside in the hallway, giving his diagnosis. He asked that the community doctor be called for a second opinion. Dr. Lozano was called in and after the laboratory tests came back both doctors agreed that Teresita bad tuberculous meningitis.
This illness would be agonizingly painful, most probably fatal, and would most likely cause her to lose her mental faculties. Teresita's father told Mother Carmen that he understood that his daughter would have to leave, saying that she would die within a few months no matter where she was.
Mother Carmen pleaded with her brother not to take her from the infirmary, for the community felt that her presence had brought blessings and that it would be a privilege for them to care for her throughout the time that would remain to her until God would call her. It was a very difficult moment for Calixto. He knew that it would be much happier for Teresita to die in God's house. He agreed to let her stay. He went in to give the news to his daughter.
Extreme Unction and Final Vows
With tender words, he explained to his daughter that she was seriously ill and gently told her that she should prepare for Extreme Unction realizing the probability that she would lose her mental faculties. Calixto knew the importance of receiving the sacraments at the onset of the illness.
Teresita squeezed his hand to show that she understood. Sister Maria Teresa confidently stated that there was nothing more that she should like than to receive the Last Sacraments. Reverend Mother Dolores Castell then stepped into the room and addressed Sister Maria Teresa of Jesus, telling her she was going to take her Holy Vows that day and would then become a professed Sister.
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Teresita received this news with peace and happiness and interiorly made preparations for the spiritual weapons that would sorely be needed along the last steps of the difficult road that lay before her.
The Community was gathered to attend the Profession ceremony. The invalid's voice rang out confidently and joyfully when she pronounced her vows. Father Musquiz recommended that Teresita offer the sacrifice of her life and all her sufferings for Pope Pius XII's Holy Year's intentions. "That should make me Our Holy Father's special child," she replied.
From her sick bed, she joined the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel that concluded the Profession ceremony. Reverend Mother sat close by her bed and observed her closely for quite some time. "She remained for a long time with her eyes closed with an unforgettable expression of rapture on her face... It was something holy and indefinable that reminded me of the virgins, Agnes, Cecilia and Therese of Lisieux." Armed with the Church's weapons for the final battle, Hermanita Teresita was prepared to meet her Bridegroom.
Teresita's aunt, Mother Carmen, came in to say good-bye to her beloved niece before she went back to the academy. Teresita confided that her greatest comfort at this time of trial was her devotion to Our Lady and asked her to tell the Sodalists that one of them would have to take her place in the novitiate. It was a sad farewell to the aunt she loved so much and who had helped bring her to the feet of Our Lady.
The mother of Sister Maria Teresa was not faring as well as her father under the burden of the impending separation from their daughter. Teresita disclosed to her father that her mother would grieve only until she reached Heaven and then she would be completely resigned. This prediction was fulfilled.
The headaches became continuous and violent, accompanied by nausea, and loss of appetite. Teresita endured everything heroically and only occasionally a silent tear manifested itself. The only relief that could be given for her pain was more pain in the form of spinal taps.
Within two months she received this treatment sixty times. At times the headaches became so unbearable that she admitted to her father that she feared she would lose her sanity. She told her fellow Sisters: "If God wants it, then I want it too. If I lose my mind, remind me often of my Vows, whisper a prayer to the Madonna, such as: `Mother, may the one who looks at me, see you' or `Mother, teach me to love Jesus."'
On the Cross
Holy Week that year was one of intense suffering. She truly began her Passion. She received Our Lord for the last time on Holy Thursday, the day on which Our Lord had given us His Sacred Body and Blood to be our spiritual food.
Extreme pain set in and caused her to go in and out of consciousness. "Jesus... Madrecita! ...Mother cover my life with your mantle... love... The more we love God, the more we would want to love Him... Lord, Lord... send workers into the fields... into your vineyard... many workers... the harvest is great but the workers are few."
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May it quickly become ours too." [Design of Amelia Ippolito] |
Sister Maria Teresa had her mind focused on God even when her mind wandered. Good Friday came and still her sufferings increased. The Devil knew he did not have much time and also added to her suffering. She could be heard saying, "Go away from me... Begone Satan! Go back to Hell... Defend me, O Mary, defend me against the snares of the Devil." She quoted Saint Bonaventure, "Those who constantly invoke the name of Mary need not fear the hour of death because at the sound of her name the infernal spirits flee terrified."
"For Him alone have I lived!"
It was Holy Saturday, April 8, 1950. Sister Maria Teresa's father kept vigil with her while the community was at Mass. He kissed her forehead, but she made no sign of recognition and seemed incoherent. Toward evening, the prayers for the dying were said aloud and her only response was a very quiet, "Pray for me." Reverend Mother was present and she feared that the prayers had exhausted her and she told Teresita that they would then be leaving to allow her to rest.
The dying Sister reached out to open Mother's prayer book, indicating to her to continue with the prayers. When a message came that there was a phone call for Mother, Teresita held out her arms to indicate that she did not want her to leave, and begged for a blessing. The community left the room, and Mother Carmen whispered to her, "You love Our Lord very much!" and Tere answered, "For Him alone have I lived."
At 10:45 that night, there was a painful cry from Teresita, and Mother Carmen and the others near her began to whisper prayers to assist her. Suddenly she cried with a loud voice, "My Mother Mary, come for me. Bring me back to Heaven with you!"
Again the community was summoned and filed in quietly, and sorrowfully beside her. Reverend Mother made one last plea to their foundress, Saint Joaquina de Vedruna, for a miracle, putting her relic on Teresita. Teresita held the reliquary tightly in her hands, and suddenly looked upwards, smiled, and exclaimed, "How beautiful! O Mary, how beautiful you are!" Her hands then fell loosely to her sides with her lips moving in silent prayer. Reverend Mother held the crucifix for her to kiss, which she did reverently several times.
Then Mother held up Teresita's favorite picture of Our Lady for her to see. Sister Maria Teresa gazed lovingly, silently. There was a deep sigh. Then she lay very still and motionless. Our Lady had come for her.
The Glory
In 1954, the beatification process was begun and on June 9, 1983, during the Holy Year of Redemption, Pope John Paul II declared Sister Maria Teresa Gonzalez-Quevedo y Cadarso "heroic in her virtues" and consequently given the title Venerable.
What we see reflected in this beautiful modern-day flower of sanctity is hope. Though we live in corrupt and amoral times, sanctity is within our reach. Our Lord said, "Be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." Jesus wants us to be saints.
There are great sanctifying tools that lie before us: the Family, the critical unit wherein parents can nurture and foster holiness by their own example and guidance, is our challenge for sanctity.
The second tool of sanctifying potential is the quickly disappearing, genuinely Catholic school, which provides not only academics, but spirituality and morality according to Holy Mother the Church's teachings.
Above all, however, is the sanctifying tool of devotion to Our Blessed Lady. Let us crusade to bring back the Holy Land of our families and our Catholic schools and let us do this under the most noble of all banners, Our Lady.
Let us pray to Venerable Teresita to assist us. Her secret was Mary. May it quickly become ours too.
Madrid, Spain, 1930 -- The Hammer and Sickle strikes Spain -- Madrid life resumed -- Sodality and Slavery -- A Vow of Chastity -- The Catholic in Action -- "We play for Championship!" -- The Decision -- Last Days with the Family -- The Postulant -- The Novice -- Code of Amiability – "If the Madonna wishes it" -- The Holy Year of Pius XII – The Cross -- Extreme Unction and Final Vows – On the Cross – "For Him alone I lived!" – The Glory
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