María Maravillas Pidal y Chico de Guzman, was born in Madrid on November 4, 1891. From childhood she wanted to consecrate herself to God and dedicated her youth to helping those in need.

Attracted by the spirituality of Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross and moved by her love for the Virgin Mary, she entered the El Escorial Carmel on October 12, 1919, taking the name of Sr Maravillas of Jesus.

In 1924 she founded a Monastery of Discalced Carmelites in Cerro de los Angeles, the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula, next to the monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as a place of prayer and sacrifice for the Church and for Spain. 

During the religious persecution, Mother Maravillas shone for her spirit of reparation, her fortitude, serenity and trust in the Lord. As a sign of fidelity to St. Teresa she proceeded to  found ten other Carmelite convents, recovering traditional places of St. Teresa and St. John. Prioress for many years, she formed her sisters with the witness of her virtue and was distinguished by her mystical life, apostolic zeal and goodness, combined with firmness towards her nuns, who considered her a true mother. She died in the Carmel of La Aldehuela, on December 11, 1974, pronouncing the following words: «What happiness to die a Carmelite»!

The beatification ceremony was held on May 10, 1998. The solemn canonization ceremony on May 4, 2003.