Maria Esperanza de Bianchini, born on November 22, 1928, in Barrancas, Venezuela, was known as a mystic with a profound spiritual connection from a young age. At just five years old, she had her first mystical experience, seeing a vision of St. Therese of Lisieux. This marked the beginning of a life filled with divine encounters, including visions of the Virgin Mary who entrusted her with messages of hope and reconciliation. Her deep faith and numerous miraculous experiences, such as healings and prophecies, led her to be revered as a modern-day saint, often compared to St. Pio for her spiritual gifts​.

Throughout her life, Maria Esperanza traveled extensively, promoting messages of unity and peace under the guidance of the Virgin Mary. In 1984, she became central to the apparitions at Betania, Venezuela, where multiple witnesses reported seeing the Virgin Mary. These events were later validated by local Church authorities as consistent with Catholic teachings, further solidifying her reputation as a messenger of the divine. Her life was not just about spiritual experiences; she also focused on community service, earning her the Cecilio Acosta award for her contributions to faith and Christian values​.

Maria Esperanza's influence continued even after her death on August 7, 2004. The scent of roses reportedly filled the room at her passing, a sign many of her followers took as a testament to her sanctity. In 2010, her cause for canonization was formally opened, and she was designated a Servant of God.