Maria Dulce Rodrigues dos Santos was a Brazilian Catholic nun born in 1901 in São Paulo. Known by her religious name, Maria Teresa, she dedicated her life to serving the impoverished and underprivileged. She is most recognized for establishing the Little Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate, a religious congregation. Her life of service led to her being named a servant of God in 1997, and she later achieved the status of venerable within the Catholic Church.
Life and work
Born in São Paulo, Maria Dulce committed herself to religious life and founded the Little Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate. Through this congregation, she focused her efforts on aiding those in need. She spent her years working alongside the poor, embodying her mission through direct service to the marginalized. She passed away in São José dos Campos on January 8, 1972.
Veneration
The Catholic Church has recognized her for her heroic virtue. After being named a servant of God in 1997, she was officially declared venerable by Pope Francis on April 3, 2014. Her feast day is observed on January 8, the anniversary of her death.