Definitive Book Inspires Readers: It’s Never too Late to Say “Yes” to God

Sister Timothy Marie Kennedy, O.C.D. Unleashing Hope: The Biography of Ven. Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $18.95. Ebook $9.99. Available from the publisher.

Are you ready to embark on an adventure? “Unleashing Hope mirrors what we are experiencing now – today – as a compelling story that you won’t forget.” (Mother Gloria Therese of the Holy Spirit Laven, O.C.D., Superior General, Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles)

This revolutionary biography retells the captivating story of Ven. Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament (June 21, 1866-February 11, 1937). “Mother Luisita” and her Sisters withstood violence and remained faithful in the face of death, when they fled for their lives repeatedly during the Mexican revolution, when Catholics faced terrible atrocities. Often penniless and imperiled, there were times when they professed their vows secretly.

The author of Unleashing Hope, Sister Timothy Marie Kennedy, O.C.D. is a member of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. She also wrote In the Face of Darkness: The Heroic Life and Holy Death of Mother Luisita, available from Sophia Press.

Readers will learn about Mother Luisita’s fascinating early life, marriage, and her tireless work for the poor, sick, and children. Despite intense persecution and numerous obstacles, she founded two religious orders, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles and the Carmelitas del Sagrado Corazon de México, along with many institutions.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles shared, “I first ‘met’ Mother Luisita when I came to Los Angeles in the spring of 2010. I became captivated by her story and I pray that this book will introduce many to this unknown saint of Los Angeles and the Americas.”

Memories of Mother Luisita’s holiness and kindness are included in this biography such as: her inspirational maxims, excerpts from her letters, firsthand testimonies, and a prayer for her cause. Furthermore, documentation for a potential miracle wrought by Mother Luisita is being investigated.

A wealth of spiritual treasures are contained for us in Mother Luisita’s life and example. Amidst their many labors, she formed her sisters in Carmelite spirituality and also reminds us to prepare a dwelling place for God within, to intercede for others, and love the Holy Eucharist.

Chris Stefanick, Founder and President, Real Life Catholic, enthused: “Reading Mother Luisita’s story reminded me to look deeper behind every gentle smile to perceive the Saint and the suffering that might be behind it, and more, to cooperate more intentionally with the divine Author as he writes a story through the pages of my own life every day.”

Archbishop Gomez’s words to Mother Luisita’s Sisters also inspire us in this moment of history. “Sisters, in the life and spirituality of Mother Luisita, you have a beautiful privilege and opportunity in this moment, in this world that is emerging from the pandemic. By your witness of trust in God—by doing your work with serenity and joy, seeking God’s holy will in everything and by sharing the life and teachings of Mother Luisita—you can bring people to trust in God again.” (February 2021)

Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of  Unleashing Hope, and/or to schedule an interview.