She wanted to be a Carmelite nun but when she was only 16 years old she married a young lawyer. They had eight children. But when Napoleon invaded Spain, Joaquina was forced to flee with her children and her husband died shortly after. When her children were grown, Joaquina spoke with the bishop of Vic, who encouraged her to found a congregation of Carmelite inspiration. The new congregation was called the Carmelites of Charity. She had to live during times of great political turbulence and in the end lost her freedom and her health. But she was always admired for her prayer and deep trust in God.

How do you face your losses and daily difficulties?