Maria Patlán Sánchez

Mother Humilde's religious life unfolded within the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, an institute founded in Mexico in 1874 by the Franciscan father José del Refugio Morales Córdova to meet the spiritual and material needs of the time, notably through the education of poor children and the care of the sick.

Within her institute, Sister Humilde first served as mistress of postulants and novices, while dedicating herself to teaching children and adults. Endowed with great wisdom and a keen sense of responsibility, she was elected Superior General of the congregation on February 2, 1922, a position she held until August 4, 1933.

It was during this first term that the terrible religious persecution in Mexico (the Cristero War) broke out. Faced with the closure of convents and constant threats, Mother Humilde demonstrated heroic courage and prudence. She strove to maintain the unity and fervor of her sisters, going so far as to clandestinely bring them Holy Communion (with the authorization of ecclesiastical authorities) to support them spiritually. She exhorted them to remain faithful to the Catholic faith, preferring to suffer hunger rather than renounce their commitment.

After this period of crisis, she was again elected Superior General on December 25, 1945, exercising this office until April 13, 1958. Subsequently, she served as Vicar General from April 17, 1958, to January 16, 1965, then as third General Councilor until her death. In total, she governed and guided her religious family for nearly 24 years, consolidating the institute and preserving its Franciscan charism.

Mother Humilde lived her final years marked by illness and various trials, which she endured with constant patience and joy. She passed away in the odor of sanctity on June 17, 1970, in Veracruz, Mexico. The reputation for holiness that she enjoyed during her lifetime spread widely after her death. On June 25, 1980, her mortal remains were transferred to the crypts of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The cause for beatification and canonization was officially opened at the diocesan level on July 17, 1999, within the Archdiocese of Mexico. The diocesan inquiry closed on August 16, 2006. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints decreed the legal validity of this inquiry on June 2, 2010, and the Positio (the summary dossier on her virtues) was finalized on March 9, 2013.

On June 16, 2017, Pope Francis received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Humilde Patlán Sánchez (in religion Sister Humilde of the Child Jesus), thus conferring upon her the title of Venerable. For her beatification to be pronounced, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession by the Holy See is required.

The spirituality of the Venerable Humilde Patlán Sánchez was deeply rooted in humility, contemplative prayer, and the spirit of penance, in accordance with the Franciscan charism of her institute. She considered humility to be the master virtue and the royal road traced by Christ for Redemption. She distinguished herself by an unwavering serenity in the face of the hardest trials, including slander and illness. She insisted particularly on spiritual joy, teaching her sisters that sadness was the source of many moral and spiritual disorders, both personal and communal. Her legacy endures today through the work of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who continue their mission of education and charity in several countries around the world.