Maria Romero Meneses was born on January 13, 1902, in Granada, Nicaragua, into a wealthy but charitable family. Her father, a government minister, instilled in her a sharp awareness of the needs of the poor, and from early childhood she learned the meaning of practical charity. While her family wished her to pursue accomplishments in music, studying piano and violin, Maria soon discovered a deeper vocation. At twelve, she entered a college run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, where she embraced Don Bosco’s charism with enthusiasm. Gifted and joyful, she taught music during her novitiate and encountered the stark poverty of young girls for the first time. After her perpetual profession, she was sent to San José, Costa Rica, which would become her lifelong mission field.
Although she began teaching among the daughters of affluent families, Maria devoted herself primarily to “poor and abandoned children.” Forming a group of young disciples she called las misioneritas (“little missionaries”), she organized visits to impoverished homes, bringing food, clothing, and catechesis. Her pastoral creativity led her to found thirty-six festive oratories, providing safe spaces for children to pray, learn, and play. With the help of doctors and benefactors, she established a clinic that offered medical care, pharmaceutical aid, catechesis rooms, and a chapel, ensuring that both body and soul were cared for.
Her faith and deep devotion to Mary Help of Christians inspired others to support her charitable enterprises. One of her most lasting works was the founding of the ciudadelas de María Auxiliadora—homes for the homeless that remain active today, supported by the lay Association “Ayuda a los Necesitados.” She also promoted devotion to Our Lady through the construction of a church in San José, making Marian spirituality visible in the heart of the city. Known as a woman of profound prayer and tireless action, she became a trusted spiritual guide, leaving behind volumes of Escritos Espirituales.
Maria Romero Meneses died of a heart attack on July 7, 1977. Honored as an honorary citizen by Costa Rica, her body rests in the “Casa de la Virgen” in San José. Pope John Paul II declared her Venerable in 2000 and beatified her on April 14, 2002. Her liturgical feast is celebrated each year on July 7.
