Maria del Pilar “Pilina” Cimadevilla Lopez-Doriga was born in Madrid fifty years ago and died at the age of 10. Her life revolved around her home and she was in just about every way an ordinary kid.

She is also currently on track to be canonized a saint by the Catholic Church ^[1].

From an early age she was know for her docility, intelligence and piety. Her First Communion was a major milestone in her life, and she prayed with an attentiveness uncommon for her age. She often visited churches to pray.

At the age of nine she contracted Hodgkin’s disease, an irreversible and painful disease that she accepted with serenity. At the hospital where she was cared for by the Daughters of Charity, she was asked about joining the Union of the Missionary Infirm. Pilina welcomed the idea and began offering her sufferings for the missions, for the conversion and salvation of souls.

A few days after turning 10, on March 6, 1962, Pilina died in the arms of her mother.

Pilina’s soul matured through her illness and those who knew her were amazed at her heroism in suffering and joy in sacrifice.

There is something scandalous about child saints. They upset our ordinary ideas of what it means to be a committed follower of Christ. Especially here in America, we equate success – even in holiness – with doing something. If someone doesn’t found an order or convert many souls or help the poor, then they are not really a saint. Yet the Church reminds us through children saints that discipleship starts with a pure heart and love for Christ. Young “Pilina” drew very close to our crucified Lord during her short time on earth; I’m sure she is a powerful intercessor for us in heaven.

Pilina, pray for us!