This morning at 11:00am in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Benedict presided over an ordinary public consistory for the canonization of the blessed that included Mexico’s Maria Guadalupe Garcia Zavala, co-foundress of the Congregation of the Handmaids of St Margaret Mary (Alacoque) and the Poor.

Commonly known as “Mother Lupita” García Zavala, she was born in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, on April 27, 1878 Her father was a religious store merchant that was located in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan. After a quiet childhood and a commitment to marriage at age 23, she left everything to devote herself to religious life in the care of the sick and the poor. Garcia Zavala along with Father Cyprian Iñiguez, founded the Congregation of the Servants of Saint Margaret Mary and the Poor.

The Pope decreed that Maria Guadalupe Garcia Zavala be inscribed in the book of saints on Sunday, May 12, 2013.  Since the Pope announced his resignation yesterday from the Papacy at month end, his successor will oversee the canonization of Garcia Zavala.