Santa Mariana de Paredes.
The Lily of Quito · 1618–1645 · first saint of Ecuador — and our parish in Pico Rivera is the only one in the United States dedicated to her.
The Lily of Quito
Her Life
Born October 31, 1618 in Quito (present-day Ecuador) to a noble and devout family, Mariana de Jesús de Paredes y Flores dedicated herself to prayer and penance from an early age. A Third Order Franciscan, she chose a life of solitude, austerity, and deep prayer — and remained faithful through every trial.
Her Charity
She is remembered above all for her care of the sick and needy — nursing many back to health during plagues and epidemics at the risk of her own life. She died May 26, 1645, at just 26 years old.
Her Glory
Beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1853 and canonized by Pope Pius XII on May 9, 1954, she is venerated as patroness of Ecuador and of bodily ills. Her feast day is May 26 — our parish feast.
Her Sign
Witnesses testified she was sustained by the Eucharistic Bread alone, possessed an ecstatic gift of prayer, and healed by the Sign of the Cross. The very day she died, a pure white lily sprang from her blood and bloomed — the prodigy that gave her the title Lily of Quito. (Source: Catholic Encyclopedia)
Need to reach us?
Call the Parish Office — Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM. Se habla español.
(562) 949-8240