In the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Catholic illustrator María Olguín shares her testimony of how the Mother of God has always been present in her life, quietly guiding her to Jesus—a story sure to touch your heart.
Born in Valparaíso, Olguín grew up in a family of Catholic artists. At the age of two, her family moved to Spain. She studied Graphic Design and, at 25, began an evangelizing mission in the media with her parents and siblings, collaborating with EWTN.
“I learned that Jesus was alive in the Tabernacle when I was 26. It changed my life. He healed my wounds. Working to make Him and His Mother known is what makes me happiest,” she shares on her website.
“May! What joy! The month of the Virgin!”
In May, Olguín shared an illustration on social media of a young woman bringing flowers to the Virgin Mary. Along with the video, she posted a testimony in which she clearly recognizes Mary’s presence throughout her life.
She recalled that much of her childhood was spent at the “Corazón de María” school in Barcelona, where not all students lived the faith with the same intensity.
“I loved that school! It was a convent school—run by nuns who made me feel very, very loved. My family was one of the few practicing Catholic families there. In fact, we were practically the only ones who went to Mass on Sundays. Maybe that’s why the nuns were especially fond of us.
“I must admit that, as a child, I often felt like ‘the odd one out’—the one who knew all the answers at the few school Masses, the one who spoke up in religion class (always turning bright red).”
However, there was one time of year when everything changed: the month of May.
“In May, we all brought flowers to the Virgin. I don’t remember how often—maybe once a week. And we sang: ‘Come, let us all go, with flowers to Mary, with flowers to Mary, for she is our Mother.’”
An Encounter That Changed Everything
Years later, at age 26, Olguín had a personal encounter with Christ that marked a turning point in her life—a moment of grace that profoundly renewed her faith.
Over time, she came to understand something she had not seen clearly before: the Virgin Mary had been present throughout her journey.
“There was a miracle in my heart. Later, I realized how important the Virgin Mary had been in that encounter. She had been behind it all. Whoever draws near to Mary will encounter Jesus. She is the quickest, shortest, and surest way to reach Him.”
Today, through her vocation as an illustrator, she seeks to share this truth and inspire others to draw close to the Virgin with confidence.
“This month, let’s bring her flowers! Let’s sing her a thousand songs! She is waiting to give us her love.”
Her story has touched thousands on social media, where the post has received more than 405,000 views and over 35,000 likes. In the comments, many users shared similar memories and experiences.
“When I was little, we always brought flowers to Mary in May. Our classroom was filled with flowers. I remember it with so much love. Dear Mother, now I want to pray to you with that same affection, that my prayers may become the roses you love so much. Thank you, Mary, for your illustrations; in their simplicity, they reflect the greatness of humility. 🙏🌹”
“Everything is so beautiful—your illustrations and what you share. I relate so much 🤭. I also went to a Catholic school with nuns throughout my childhood and adolescence. And the church we attended was called ‘Heart of Mary’—those songs you mention are so beautiful 💖.”
“May, the month of the Mother of Heaven… I feel called to offer her flowers along with my heart. My mother and I have an altar that we decorate with many flowers. May she, the Mother of my Jesus, always accompany us. 🙏🏽💚”