Rome, 10.10.08 – On October 12, the Holy Father canonized Ecuadorian Narcisa of Jesus Martillo. She became the third saint from Ecuador.

The Pontifical Missionary Societies in Ecuador are promoting the story of her life as a means to raise spirits amidst preparations for World Mission Sunday.

Narcisa of Jesus was born on 29 October, 1832 into a simple farming family, with a strong Christian faith. When she was 15 years old, she learned to be a seamstress and worked in various family homes in the area. She worked especially with children, teaching catechism. She also worked with abandoned youth at a refuge house and visited the sick and dying.