“Hijas que tengáis paz y unión” These were the last words of Santa María de la Soledad Torres Acosta. Her final blessing echoes even now from this plaque. We stand before a small but significant memorial. It commemorates the life and death of a remarkable woman. A woman who dedicated her life to serving the sick and the poor. This plaque marks the spot where she breathed her last.
Santa María de la Soledad Torres Acosta was a Madrid native. Born in 1826 to a humble family she felt a strong calling to religious life from a young age. She initially attempted to join a Dominican community. However her frail health initially prevented her from entering religious life. It wasn’t until she was twenty-five years old that her vocation found its true expression.
A priest named Miguel Martínez y Sanz had a vision. He wanted to create a group of women who would care for the destitute sick in their homes. He sought to provide spiritual comfort. Soledad joined this project along with six other women. They took their vows on August 15 1851. Soledad adopted the name María Soledad. The Siervas de María Ministras de los Enfermos were born.
The early years were challenging. The community faced financial difficulties. Four of the original founders left. Even the founding priest Miguel Martínez eventually departed. Soledad remained steadfast. She became the sole remaining founder and superior of the twelve remaining religious women. They worked across three houses in Madrid Getafe and Ciudad Rodrigo.
Their dedication was extraordinary. Their work overlapped with that of Florence Nightingale in England. Both were pioneers in professional nursing. The Siervas de María provided assistance during cholera outbreaks. They cared for patients abandoned due to fear of contagion. They relentlessly served even those rejected by their own families.
The congregation eventually received approval from Pope Leo XIII in 1876. It expanded throughout Spain and into the Americas. They opened houses in Cuba Puerto Rico and numerous other cities. Soledad’s leadership was crucial to this expansion. She remained the superior until her death in 1887. She passed away while blessing her sisters. Her final words remain a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Soledad’s life wasn’t easy. She faced internal conflicts and even temporary removal from her position as superior. Yet her faith and commitment never wavered. She endured hardship with unwavering faith. She demonstrated remarkable resilience. She was beatified by Pope Pius XII and canonized by Paul VI. This plaque stands as a tangible reminder of her incredible life. It is a quiet tribute to a powerful woman of faith and compassion. It is a constant source of inspiration. We are privileged to stand here today in reflection. We remember this extraordinary woman’s dedication and sacrifice.