by Therese Horvat
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In this special Jubilee Year marking major milestones in their congregation’s history, the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, invite persons across the archdiocese to join them in celebrating the upcoming Solemnity of St. Maria Soledad, their foundress.
“This is a special feast for us every year at our convent and also at the Cathedral of St. Peter that is now the Shrine of St. Maria Soledad,” said Mother Catherine Bussen, SM, superior of the Kansas City Servants of Mary.
Oct. 11 commemorates the day in 1887 that St. Maria Soledad died in the Servants of Mary Motherhouse in Madrid. She was canonized a saint in 1970.
On Oct. 11 at the cathedral, located at 416 N. 14th St. in Kansas City, Kansas, there will be a blessing with a first-class relic of the saint at the conclusion of the 10 a.m. (English) and noon (Spanish) Masses and the opportunity to venerate the relic before and after these liturgies.
The Sisters, Servants, will be available at the shrine at the cathedral between these Masses to receive visitors. The parish is also hosting a pancake breakfast that morning.
A ‘hidden saint’
Born in Madrid on Dec. 2, 1826, young Bibiana Torres Acosta was described as small, sickly and common looking. A history of the Servants of Mary notes, “No one could have guessed that such a saint was hidden in such an ordinary appearance.”
As a child, Bibiana demonstrated exceptional intelligence, was obedient, hard-working and pious and practiced self-denial and mortification. She loved to visit the sick of her neighborhood — a foreshadowing of her future call.
On Aug. 15, 1851, the 24-year-old was among the seven women who professed vows as the Servants of Mary, a new religious congregation committed to serving the sick poor in their homes free of charge.
At age 30, Sister Soledad was appointed superior general, a post she held for many years until her death. She led the congregation through times of hardship and trials.
“Mother Soledad’s leadership was convincing yet not demanding, firm yet very understanding,” said Mother Catherine. “Although small in stature, she was great in virtue and led by example. With both humility of heart and great determination, she led the way and inspired the Sisters to follow.”
Mother Soledad had deep trust in Divine Providence and great love for the poor and those who were sick and dying. She told the Sisters, “A Servant of Mary must be prepared to go to the miserable huts of the poor as well as to the mansions of the rich.”
She summed up the charism of the congregation, saying, “My daughters, when you care for a sick person, you are caring for Christ himself.”
Sister Catherine said that Mother Soledad’s priorities and motivation were clear. She wanted all to be “for the growth of our congregation, the salvation of souls and the glory of God.”
During the saint’s lifetime, the Servants of Mary opened other convents in Spain and Cuba. They began serving in the United States in 1914 and established the Kansas City convent in 1917.
“When you get to know Mother Soledad, you will be captivated by her simplicity and her determination to reach out to others in charity and service,” said Sister Bernadette Proctor, SM. “She ventured quietly and fearlessly into the sacred space of those she served, in their time of vulnerability and pain, to fill it with the love of God.”
Sister Bernadette highlighted Mother Soledad’s dedication and devotion to the Blessed Mother. As superior general, she placed the congregation under the protection of Mary, Health of the Sick.
“Mother Soledad is still with us,” Sister Bernadette said, “leading us and bringing hope and consolation to those in need.”
This year, Servants of Mary worldwide are marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of St. Maria Soledad, the 175th anniversary of the congregation’s founding in Spain and the 150th anniversary of papal approval of the order.
Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Jubilee Year for the Sisters, Servants, and granted a plenary indulgence to Catholics who meet required conditions.
For more information, call the Kansas City convent at (913) 371-3423.
