Considered by some to be one of the greatest mystics of her time, Maria Esperanza is said to have had the stigmata, the ability of healing, levitation, bilocation, and capability of predicting future events

Father Timothy Byerley, vice-postulator for the Cause for Beatification and Canonization of Maria Esperanza, led the retreat. Father Byerley is from the Diocese of Camden, N.J.

Maria Esperanza's husband, daughter and son-in-law participated in the Vandalia retreat, at which the world renowned Betania Choir, which Maria founded in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1981, performed.

More information about this and other upcoming retreats and other services at the Vandalia ministry may be found online at www.oursorrowfulmothersministry.org.