Antônia Martins de Macedo (Madre Cecília do Coração de Maria)
Brazilian widow who founded the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Mary at Piracicaba
Who they were
Macedo was made to marry against her wishes and, widowed, joined the Secular Franciscan Order as Irmã Cecília do Coração de Maria, supporting her three children by sewing. In 1900 she founded the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Mary at Piracicaba.
The miracles
No miracle has been approved. The cause is at its first stage.
Why that counted as sanctity
Her cause was opened in the diocese of Piracicaba in 1992 and the congregation publishes a bulletin on its progress.
The cause
Antônia Martins de Macedo (Madre Cecília do Coração de Maria) is named a Servant of God; the cause continues. Favours received, and offers of help, go to the postulation, the office that carries the cause forward: The cause of Antônia Martins de Macedo (Madre Cecília do Coração de Maria).
Checked against the sources listed on 24 September 2026. Corrections welcome.