In May of 1628 Maria de Jesus de Agreda’s superiors wrote a letter to the archbishop of New Spain. The young nun reported visions and deep trances as she prayed for the mission work among the native people of the New World. Her superiors didn’t know whether to believe her or not.

But Father Benavides, a mission priest, wrote back saying that the Jumanos of Texas and New Mexico reported seeing a “Lady in Blue.” She urged them to welcome the priests and hear what they said about Jesus. Father Benavides’ book, A Harvest of Reluctant Souls, is still available and offers a first hand account of his missionary experiences.

Mission Conception in San Antonio is named in honor of Maria de Jesus de Agreda.

Teaching Tip: An original source document such as Father Benavides’ book is a first-hand account. Original source documents are valued as research documents because they provide an eye-witness to history. Discuss the advantages of original source documents over other research sources.