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María Antonia Bandrés – Courage and Love

Antoñita loved simplicity and humility in people. Her love and dedication to those in need was her main motivation in life.

Antoñita was a very special woman, who dedicated her life body and soul to helping the most needy in society. For her, following Jesus and being at the side of the poor were one and the same thing, and that conviction led her to give her all for others.

From a very young age, Antoñita cared for those who had less than she did. We would often find her in her apron, helping the girls who worked in her house to wash the dishes or clean the shoes. And not content with that, some nights she would sneak out of bed to help the people working in her house.

Her generous heart led her to extend her help to those who needed it most. She gave training to the girls who worked in the factories, teaching them to read and write and advising them about life.

With great determination and courage, she managed to convince her parents to cook at home for the needy families who came by every day to pick up food. But her commitment did not stop there, her heart took her to the poorest neighborhoods of Tolosa, where she met people like Ambrosia, Joaquina, Genoveva and Maritxu. For the latter, she prepared a 1st communion celebration that she would never forget.

Despite having few resources, Antoñita found ways to give a little joy and hope to those in need. With her small savings and the goodies she was given, she managed to bring a smile to the faces of those who felt forgotten and abandoned. Her love and dedication made a big difference in the lives of many people, and her example lives on in the hearts of those who continue her story.

Antoñita was a light in the darkness for those who needed her help the most. His dedication and love for others are an example to us all, and his legacy lives on to this day.