Description
Mariana de Jesús Paredes was born in Quito in 1618. Although almost a contemporary of Rose of Lima, she remains mostly unknown, except in Ecuador where she is a national figure. Mariana died in 1648, after offering her life to save Quito from plague and earthquakes. During her short life, she experienced painful losses that might explain why she devoted her short life to this purpose. A series of vicissitudes delayed her canonization for several centuries, but Ecuadorians have long seen her as a symbol of their identity. In this presentation, we will explore details of the life and possible relevance today of this mostly unknown and mysterious woman.