Cristobal of Saint Catherine
Cristóbal of Saint Catherine was a Spanish priest and founder of the Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus of Nazareth, an order dedicated to both religious and social needs. He was beatified on April 7, 2013, for his heroic virtue and dedication to the poor and sick.
Key Facts
- ›Cristóbal López de Valladolid Orea was born on July 25, 1638, to poor laborers and had five brothers.
- ›He attempted to join the Order of Friars Minor as a child but was brought home by his brothers.
- ›He served as an altar server and nurse in a hospital managed by the Order of Saint John of God.
- ›Ordained a priest on March 20, 1663, he served as a chaplain to armed forces in Portugal.
- ›He became a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Francis in 1671, taking the name Cristóbal of Saint Catherine.
- ›He founded the Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus of Nazareth in Córdoba on February 11, 1673.
- ›He died on July 21, 1690, from cholera while tending to victims during an epidemic.
Cristóbal López de Valladolid Orea
Third Order of Saint Francis, Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus of Nazareth
Clutching A Crucifix
About Cristobal of Saint Catherine
Cristóbal of Saint Catherine, born Cristóbal López de Valladolid Orea on July 25, 1638, was a Spanish priest and a dedicated member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. He is recognized as the founder of the Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus of Nazareth, a religious congregation established to address both the spiritual and social welfare of the faithful.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a family of poor laborers, Cristóbal López de Valladolid Orea was baptized in 1638. His early life saw him briefly attempt to join the Order of Friars Minor before returning home. He gained experience serving as an altar server and working as a nurse in a hospital managed by the Order of Saint John of God. After his ordination to the priesthood on March 20, 1663, he served as a chaplain to armed forces in Portugal. Following a period of illness, he retired to a hermitage, but his Franciscan charism led him to become a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Francis in 1671, adopting the religious name Cristóbal of Saint Catherine.
Founding the Franciscan Hospitallers
In 1673, Cristóbal of Saint Catherine established the Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus of Nazareth in Córdoba. This order was founded with a mission to push the boundaries in addressing a range of religious and social issues, demonstrating a commitment to the holistic needs of the community. His order later received papal approval from Pope Benedict XIV in 1746.
Death and Beatification
Cristóbal of Saint Catherine died on July 21, 1690, succumbing to cholera while ministering to victims of the epidemic. He was reportedly clutching a crucifix at the time of his death. Following his passing, several miracles were attributed to his intercession. The cause for his beatification commenced in 1770, and he was ultimately declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on June 28, 2012, after Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession. His beatification ceremony took place on April 7, 2013, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cristobal of Saint Catherine born and when did he die?
Cristóbal of Saint Catherine was born on July 25, 1638, and died on July 21, 1690. His death occurred during a cholera epidemic.
What religious order did Cristobal of Saint Catherine found?
He founded the Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus of Nazareth, an order dedicated to addressing both the spiritual and social needs of the faithful. He was also a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Francis.
When and by whom was Cristobal of Saint Catherine beatified?
Cristóbal of Saint Catherine was beatified on April 7, 2013. The celebration was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Francis.
What was Cristobal of Saint Catherine's role before founding his order?
Before founding his order, he served as an altar server and worked as a nurse in a hospital managed by the Order of Saint John of God. He was also ordained to the priesthood in 1663 and served as a chaplain to armed services.
What significant event marked Cristobal of Saint Catherine's death?
Cristóbal of Saint Catherine died while clutching a crucifix during a cholera epidemic. He had been tending to the victims of the disease, and miracles were attributed to his intercession shortly after his death.
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