The Archdiocese of Caracas, through its Archbishop, Monsignor Raúl Biord, shares the great joy of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus, following Pope Francis’ authorization of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree regarding Blessed Mother Carmen Rendiles’ miracle. This announcement constitutes the approval of the canonization of the blessed woman from Caracas, following the verification of a second miracle of God through her intercession.

The information was published in the Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office and announced by the Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Rosa María Ríos.

The date for the celebration of her canonization will be announced at the next consistory of cardinals. This historic event is a recognition of the exemplary life and heroic virtues of this Venezuelan nun, known for being the founder of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Venezuela. It also recognizes Venezuelan women and their great contributions to the Church and society.

With this announcement, and that of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, Venezuela adds its first two saints proclaimed by the Universal Church.

About the Cause for Sainthood

Her process for canonization began on March 9, 1995, before the corresponding ecclesiastical authorities. Eighteen years after that event, Pope Francis granted her the title of Venerable on July 5, 2013, in recognition of her “heroic virtues.”

In 2014, the diocesan investigation into an alleged miracle attributed to Mother Carmen began. In September of that year, in a solemn session of the diocesan tribunal, presided over by Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, the fascicles were sealed and then sent to the Vatican for review.

Three years later, on December 19, 2017, Pope Francis published the decree approving the beatification of the Venezuelan saint.

On June 16, 2018, Mother Carmen was recognized as the third Venezuelan blessed, after Mother María de San José and Mother Candelaria de San José.

Life and Work of a Venezuelan Saint

Mother María Carmen Rendiles Martínez was born in Caracas on August 11, 1903. She was the third daughter of Ramiro Rendiles and Ana Antonia Martínez. She was born with a physical handicap: her left arm was missing, a handicap that did not prevent her from leading a normal life.

On February 25, 1927, she entered the French congregation, the Servants of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, a recently established congregation in Caracas, Venezuela. Shortly thereafter, on September 8, 1927, she began her novitiate, taking the name Maria Carmen, having just turned 24.

On September 8, 1929, she made her first vows, and three years later, on September 8, 1932, she pronounced her perpetual vows. She was sent to the cradle of the congregation, France, to strengthen her religious formation.

In 1934, upon her return, she was appointed Mistress of Novices. She subsequently held several important positions in the Congregation until she was appointed superior of the houses in Venezuela and Colombia.

In 1961, Mother Carmen, with the support of the national episcopate, preferred to request the separation of the mother Congregation to form an autonomous Institute, a request that was approved by the Sacred Congregation for Religious by Decree dated November 23, 1965.

In this nascent congregation, Mother Carmen was appointed the first Superior General.

The testimony of her life, her care and delicacy as Superior General, her maternal tenderness, and her experience of God, strengthened by a continuous relationship with Him, were the best tools to lead souls to God and enhance God’s Eucharistic life on earth.

Mother Carmen Rendiles died in the odor of sanctity on May 9, 1977, leaving for her daughters and for the Church a path to follow in the search for holiness.

The remains of Venerable Mother Carmen Rendiles rest in the Colegio Belén, located on 5th Street. Los Palos Grandes Avenue and 10th Street, Los Palos Grandes Urbanization, Capital District, Venezuela.

The canonization of Mother Carmen Rendiles is a cause for celebration for all Venezuelans and the entire Church!