What's it like to know a saint? The niece of the newest Spanish saint explains

At that very moment, Spanish nun Mother Maria de la Purisima was declared a saint of the Catholic Church. For Olga Salvat, the story is personal. The new saint is actually her aunt. 

OLGA SALVAT 
Niece of St. Maria de la Purí­sima
'Our grandmother taught her to pray. She would walk around the halls of our home and spend time in the same places we now spend time in.�

Just 17 years ago, Mother Maria de la Purisima de la Cruz served as the Superior General of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. Her religious order focuses on helping the poor and those in need. It's something Pope Francis highlighted during her canonization ceremony. 

POPE FRANCIS
'Santa Maria de la Purisima lived with great humility the service of helping those in need. In particular, with great dedication to the children of the poor and the sick.â? 

Olga remembers her aunt as a woman who always had a smile on her face. She worried about her own family, just as much as she worried for those in need. 

OLGA SALVAT 
Niece of St. Maria de la Purí­sima
'She was very humble. She represents the sanctity of everyday life. We are not nuns from her Order, but through her example, she tells us that we can work towards sainthood in our own lives. She said that to the whole world. So, of course, she also told us, 'My nieces and nephews must be especially good!'�

Mother Marí­a de la Purí­sima was the principal of several schools run by her Order. According to those who saw her, she even cleaned the floors herself to give an example of service. Her humility astonished many people.

OLGA SALVAT 
Niece of St. Maria de la Purí­sima
'Someone came in and asked, 'Excuse me, where is the Mother General?' And she raised her head and said, 'It's me.' And that left an impression, to see the Mister General cleaning the floors. And that is how she was. She stood out without wanting to.�

Hundreds of pilgrims from Argentina and Italy joined thousands from Spain to attend the canonization ceremony. They wanted to honor the ordinary, discreet, friendly and cheerful saint.

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