José Gregorio Hernández is more than a name in the history of Venezuelais a symbol of faith, hope and solidarity.
The past February 25, 2009the Pope Francis approved the sanctification of the soon-to-be San José Gregorio Hernándezthe first Venezuelan saint. For millions of Venezuelans inside and outside of the country, this recognition is a source of pride and emotiona tribute to a man who devoted his life to helping those in need with love and humility.
His story is that of a dedicated physician, a man of deep faith and a symbol of the goodness that defines our people. For those who have had to emigrate, his legacy is felt stronger than ever, reminding us of the values we carry in our hearts no matter the distance.
In this article, we will review its his life, his miracles and the meaning of his sanctification for Venezuelans all over the world. Because today, more than ever, their light unites us.
The life of an extraordinary man: history, faith and legacy
José Gregorio Hernández was born on October 26, 1864 in a small town called Isnotúin the Trujillo state.
Since he was a child, he showed a great curiosity for the knowledge and a deep love for God. His initial dream was to be priest, but over time he realized that his true mission was in the medicine, in healing bodies and souls.
He studied at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, where he graduated with honors as a medical doctor. His thirst for learning led him to travel to Europe to specialize and bring to Venezuela the latest advances in medicine.
Upon his return, not only did he become a brilliant teacher and researcherbut also in the physician who free of charge to the poorest of the poor. He didn't care if his patients had no money, he always found a way to help them.
But his vocation went beyond medicine. José Gregorio tried several times to become priesteven entered religious orders in Italybut his fragile health did not allow him to follow this path.
Instead of giving up, he decided to living their faith from their professionturning each consultation into an act of love and each patient into an act of love. opportunity to serve God.
Fate had an unexpected departure in store for him. The June 29, 1919, after buying medicine for a person in need, he went to the run over in Caracas and died shortly thereafter.
His death left the country in mourning, but at the same time, his sowed the seed of a devotion that has not ceased to growr. His grave in the church of La Candelaria became a place of pilgrimage, where it became a Thousands of people come with faith to ask her for favors and to thank her for the miracles they attribute to her.
What was your legacy?
Shortly after his death, José Gregorio Hernández began to become object of devotion for many in Venezuela.
His image can be found everywhere in the country, in posters, urban murals and billboards. It is also present next to the beds of the sick and the graves of the deceased, where your loved ones are crying out for your protection.
In many Venezuelan households, figurines with his image adorn the family altars: your suit jacket, his moustache and his black hat are unmistakable.
More than a century after his death, José Gregorio Hernández remains a symbol of faith and hopea saint of the people who has never ceased to be present in the hearts of Venezuelans.
His legacy is that of a good, humble and generous manan example of the best of our country. And now, with his sanctification, its light shines even brighter, uniting all Venezuelans, inside and outside of our bordersin the same feeling of pride and hope.
The road to sainthood of José Gregorio Hernández: his beatification and canonization
People in Venezuela always knew that José Gregorio Hernández was a saint, long before the Church officially recognized.
His reputation for man, his dedication to the most needy and the miracles that began to be attributed to him. made her figure grow over the years.
Your beatification was a long-awaited dream for Venezuelans, a process that began in 1949 and which advanced slowly until, in 1985the Vatican stated "Venerable"the first great step on the road to holiness.
But everything changed in 2020when the Vatican acknowledged a miracle attributed to her intercession: the inexplicable recovery of a girl who had been shot in the head and who, against all odds, survived without sequelae.
That was the miracle that allowed his beatification April 30, 2021 in an emotional ceremony held at Caracas. It was a moment of joy and hope for millions of Venezuelans inside and outside the country, who saw how their beloved doctor of the poor was getting even closer to the altars.
And finally, the February 25, 2024the news that everyone had been waiting for arrived: the Pope Francis approved its canonization, making it the first Venezuelan saint in history.
This official recognition is a a source of immense pride for Venezuelaa country that has gone through difficult times and that has found in the figure of José Gregorio a symbol of faith and union.
Now, more than ever, her legacy shines brightly, reminding us that the kindness, humility and solidarity are the values that truly transcend time and borders.
Miracles and popular devotion
José Gregorio Hernández was not only a man of science, but also a man of science. man of deep faith. And that faith has transcended generations.
Since his death, his image started to be a symbol of hope for all those who were looking for a miracle or relief. Many people have reported healings, health improvements and even unexplained miracles, that attribute to the intercession of José Gregorio.
There are many who claim to have overcame serious health problems thanks to his divine intervention.
One of the best-known miracles and that allowed the progress in his canonization process was the case of Yaxuri Solórzanoa girl of Guárico that in 2017 was the victim of a robbery and was shot in the head.
Despite the fact that doctors gave no hope that she would survive, much less without permanent sequelae, the girl was miraculously recovered. His mother, during his convalescence, prayed with fervor to José Gregorioasking him to intercede for his daughter's health.
After studying the case, the ecclesiastical commission determined that the healing of Yaxuri was a miracle attributed to the doctor's intervention.
In addition to these testimonials, the image of José Gregorio Hernández is still present in the homes, hospitals, and in the streets of Venezuela.. His figure, with his jacket, his moustache and his black hatis a symbol of faith, hope and protection.
José Gregorio Hernándezthe doctor of the poor and now a saintis still a pillar of faith for Venezuelansespecially for those who, being far from their homeland, feel that his light continues to guide and accompany them.
His legacy goes beyond medicine; it is a reminder that, in the midst of hardship, faith can move mountains.
A symbol of unity and hope for Venezuelans
The canonization of José Gregorio Hernández has been a moment of immense joy for all Venezuelansespecially for those of us who, for various reasons, have had to leave their homeland.
His sanctification is not only a recognition of his life and work, but also a beacon of hope for millions of Venezuelans living outside the country.
In the midst of the difficulties faced by the diaspora, José Gregorio has become a symbol of unity, a reminder of goodness and faith that have always characterized the Venezuelan people.
For those of us who have had to emigrate, this official recognition is more than a source of prideis a emotional connection with the homelanda spiritual bond that is still alive despite the distance.
The figure of José Gregorio Hernández has been present in every prayer, in every thought of many people Venezuelans who venerate him as a protectoras the close friend who is always there, interceding for the welfare and peace of those who invoke him.
At CuriaraWe are proud and excited about the sanctification of José Gregorio Hernándezthe first Venezuelan saint. As Venezuelans, this recognition is an important reason for joy and hope that unites us and that is why we want to celebrate it with all of you.
