Byzantine Discalced Carmelites

Mary (Lopez de Rivas), was born on August 18, 1560, and grew up in a small hamlet of Tartanedo near Madrid. Her father's death left her heir to much wealth. When her mother re-married Mary was entrusted to the care of her paternal grandparents, growing up as a happy and deeply spiritual young girl. When she was fourteen, she desired to dedicate her life to God and her Jesuit director guided Mary to the Carmelites. Saint Teresa herself accepted Mary, who entered the monastery of Toledo. She was seventeen years old.

St. Teresa spent some time at the Toledo Monastery and became well acquainted with Sister Mary. Of her St. Teresa once said: "Ah, my daughter, much has been told me about you, but it does not compare with what I myself see."

Sister Mary was Novice Mistress and then Sub-Prioress. She became Prioress at thirty-one. Calumniated by one nun, Mary was deposed from Office and forbidden any Office for twenty years.

This injustice she bore with humility and patience. Her spirit of forgiveness and love gained her the admiration of the community. Years later, the Superior General, (who when Provincial has deposed Mary from Office) learned that accusations against her were false and reinstated her as Prioress. He begged from her pardon. Mary died in the Office of Mistress of Novices at the age of eighty years, in 1640. Her incorrupt body is venerated in the Carmel of Toledo.