Internal complications and a range of outside interferences saw María Rafols be appointed to and resign from various leadership positions and she was captured – though later released – during the Carlist War.

[2] In May 1873 she and her relations relocated to La Bleda where – on 27 May 1785 – she received the sacrament of Confirmation from the Carmelite Bishop of Barcelona Gabino Valladares.

Bruna even ventured into the French camp after the second bombing hit in order to plead with General Jean Lannes for his help in tending to the ill and the wounded.

The outbreak of the Carlist War saw her arrested on 11 May 1834 on the charge of acting against Queen Isabel II of Spain and was imprisoned and exiled in Huesca.

[2][3] María Rafols was later allowed to return to Zaragoza in 1841 after being confined in exile in her hometown since her release and in 1845 asked to retire though continued to still pursue the order's work.

The religious order received papal approval from Pope Leo XIII on 14 January 1898 after providing the congregation with the decree of praise on 13 April 1889.

John Paul II proclaimed her to be Venerable on 6 July 1991 after confirming that María Rafols had led a life of heroic virtue.

John Paul II beatified Mother María Rafols in Saint Peter's Square on 16 October 1994.