In a momentous Mass held at St. Peter's Basilica on February 11, 2024, Pope Francis canonized Argentina's first female saint, María Antonia of St. Joseph, affectionately known as "Mama Antula." The ceremony drew attention not only for the historical significance of canonizing the country's first female saint but also for the presence of Argentina's President Javier Milei, who sat in the front row during the event.
Mama Antula, born in 1730, was a consecrated laywoman renowned for promoting Ignatian spirituality. At a time of widespread hostility toward the Jesuit order, she founded Buenos Aires' House for Spiritual Exercises. Pope Francis praised her as a "model of apostolic fervor and boldness" due to her extensive travels, covering thousands of miles on foot through deserts and perilous roads, to bring people closer to God.
The Jesuit pope highlighted Mama Antula's resilience in safeguarding Ignatian spirituality after the expulsion of the Jesuits from South America. Her missionary flame, fueled by trust in providence and perseverance, became a guiding light during challenging times.
President Milei, who had previously referred to the pope as an "imbecile" during his campaign, sat in the front row and embraced the pope at the end of the Mass. The two leaders are scheduled to have a private meeting at the Vatican, representing an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.
Mama Antula's journey, born into wealth in 1730, involved fervently serving God from a young age. Despite the expulsion of the Jesuits, she traveled extensively to safeguard and promote Ignatian spirituality, organizing retreats and caring for the sick and poor. Her perseverance led to the establishment of the House for Spiritual Exercises in Buenos Aires, a significant milestone in her ministry.
In his homily, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to Mama Antula for promoting devotion to St. Cajetan, one of the most popular saints in Argentina. Her feast day will be celebrated on March 7, commemorating her death in 1799. Her burial site in the cemetery of the Church of the Pietà has become a revered pilgrimage destination.
The canonization Mass also served as a platform for Pope Francis to address societal issues, urging compassion and closeness to the poor and weak. He lamented the fears, prejudices, and inconsistencies that contribute to the suffering of many, emphasizing the importance of reaching out, much like Mama Antula did.
As Pope Francis continues to lead the Catholic Church, the canonization of Mama Antula adds a significant chapter to Argentina's religious history, celebrating a woman whose life exemplified dedication, resilience, and the promotion of spirituality in challenging times.