Ever wonder why this street is named Calle de la Madre Celeste? It leads us directly to the Iglesia Madres Redentoristas. This church is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith and devotion.
The Iglesia Madres Redentoristas is home to a contemplative order of nuns. They live a cloistered life. They dedicate themselves to prayer and reflection. These nuns are known as the “viva memoria”. They are a radiant sign of God’s love for us in Christ.
Our story begins with Madre María Celeste Crostarosa. She was born Julia Crostarosa in Naples in 1696. She came from a wealthy and deeply Christian family. Even as a child, she felt a profound connection to Jesus. She called it “la compañía secreta” or the secret company.
At 21, Julia entered the Carmelite convent. She took her vows in 1719. Later she became the novice mistress in 1722. It was then that she met Father Tomás Falcoia. He preached spiritual exercises at the Carmelite convent.
In 1723, the convent closed. María Celeste and her sisters moved to the Visitation convent in Scala. There, she received the name María Celeste.
On April 25 1725, María Celeste had an inspiration. She envisioned a new religious institute with the Gospel as its rule. Its purpose would be to follow the life of the Redentor especially in his hidden and prayerful moments.
However, Father Falcoia opposed her vision. In 1730, Alfonso de Ligorio met María Celeste. He offered the ecclesiastical support she needed. This was essential to start a new contemplative order. It was called the Order of the Most Holy Savior. Later, it became the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer.
With the help of Saint Alfonso, the new religious life began on Pentecost in 1731. In 1732 the male branch was founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Savior. These are the Redemptorist Missionaries. María Celeste played a crucial role in this.
María Celeste wrote the rule inspired by God in 1733. These rules reflected the beauty of Christ. However, Monsignor Falcoia wanted to change the rules. María Celeste refused. This disagreement led to great tension. She was confined. She was denied communion. Eventually, she was expelled from the convent.
This led to two congregations. One followed Falcoia’s changes. The other was the Congregation of the Most Holy Sacrament. It followed María Celeste’s original rules.
María Celeste eventually arrived in Foggia. There, she established a community. It lived according to the religious project that God had inspired in her.
María Celeste had a great relationship with lay people. She offered spiritual guidance. Her goal was to make God’s love present in the world. She wanted everyone to live the Gospel radically.
María Celeste died on September 14 1755. This is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Her reputation for holiness grew after her death. In 1879, the process of beatification began. Pope Leo XIII declared her Venerable in 1901.
Today, the Madres Redentoristas continue her legacy. The sisters live a life of prayer. They are contemplation within the walls of this monastery. They are a reminder of faith. They show us devotion in the heart of Madrid. Their presence enriches our city. They offer a place of spiritual refuge for all.