PADRE MANUEL GARCIA NIETO, S. J. (APRIL 5, 1884 TO APRIL 13, 1974)

1970. Conchita and Aniceta with Fathers Neito (far right) and Rodrigo.

Succeeding Fr. Rodrigo, Padre Nieto, Servant of God (2000), also a Jesuit, was, in turn, Conchita's spiritual director from 1969 to 1974, a task he was to fulfill for more than forty years, in what an outstanding way, at the Pontifical University of Comillas. An exceptionally fervent "lover" of the Eucharist and of the Priesthood, he strongly defended the sublime grandeur of the first of the Sacraments, energetically protesting its desecration. Padre Nieto, also a great devotee to Mary, was already living in perfect harmony with two Messages of Garabandal.

Conchita, who, even from 1969 to 1972, met the Jesuit at Comillas almost monthly as her spiritual Father, caught even himself in ecstasy on several occasions! The visionary was to reveal to him the date of the future "D" day, because, we may presume, of his great moral authority and his recognized reliability in the "discernment of spirits"!

Shortly before his death, he wrote to Conchita "I offer my life so that you may attain holiness." A striking detail: in 1985, the "mortal remains" of the Father were transferred to the parish of San Jose, called "El Milagro," in Salamanca . . .

The "faith" of Padre Nieto in the divine origin of Garabandal is formally attested, among others, by John Bosco Ramos, one of the three Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, who, on August 6, 1962, had witnessed a Communion given to Conchita by the Angel St. Michael, at the Pines (see the post at this date). And later (1969), during a private encounter for advice with Padre Nieto, the latter assured Brother Juan Bosco that "Yes, Garabandal is true!"

The process for the beatification of Padre Nieto, opened on October 16, 1990, under the direction of Msgr. del Val Gallo, has now (December 2000) been introduced in Rome.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 223-224]

So you see, many famous and saintly people believed in Garabandal, which of course, strengthens my belief in these apparitions . . .

Conchita was blessed to have Fr. Nieto as a spiritual director! I believe divine Providence was responsible for that. When we need special help, God sends someone to us as our spiritual guide. It happened to me when I was going through formation for the diaconate. We were told to get a spiritual director and I was really having a hard time choosing one. My mind kept saying "No one will understand my Marian spirituality!" One day I went to Mass at the Franciscan Church of St. Francis in Manhattan and after Mass asked the Pastor, who was very Marian and I thought would be a good one to choose to be my spiritual director. He said he was too busy, but had the right priest for me, a convert, who I could help to know Mother Mary better. I said to myself, "Oh great, I'm looking for a spiritual director and I become one instead." Well, it turned out that this humble priest was the perfect one for me and believe me, I would have quit the program a few times, except for his wonderful advice that kept me going and growing! So, God sends the right person at the right time to help us!
Roman Deacon