Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló
Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló was a Spanish Catholic priest and an influential educator and catechist. He is chiefly remembered as the founder of the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus, an order dedicated to the education of women, and for his deep interest in the value of women and Saint Teresa of Ávila.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›He was born on October 16, 1840, and died on January 27, 1896.
- ›He founded the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus in 1876 to educate women.
- ›He was an able catechist and published several works on the subject, aiming many of his writings towards women.
- ›He had a particular interest in the value of women and in Saint Teresa of Ávila.
- ›He was proclaimed the patron saint of catechists on November 6, 1998.
- ›His cause for canonization began in 1923 and he was canonized on June 16, 1993.
About Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló
Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló (1840-1896) was a Spanish Catholic priest, educator, and founder of the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus. He is recognized for his significant contributions to catechesis and his advocacy for the spiritual and intellectual value of women within the Church.
Life and Ministry
Born into a wealthy farming family in Spain, Enric d'Ossó i Cervelló's path to the priesthood was met with initial opposition from his father. Despite being sent to apprentice in the textile business, he persevered in his calling. After periods of illness and a brief flight to Montserrat, his father relented, and he began his theological studies in 1854. He was ordained a priest on September 21, 1867. As a priest, he served as a mathematics teacher to seminarians and was forced to seek seclusion due to political conflicts. He founded the Association of Young Catholic Daughters of Mary and Saint Teresa of Jesus in 1873 and later the Josephine Sisterhood in 1876.
Founding the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus
A pivotal moment in his life was the founding of the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus on June 23, 1876, with the assistance of Teresa Blanch. This order was established with the explicit purpose of educating women, reflecting his deep interest in their value and potential. The congregation received papal praise and government approval, eventually spreading beyond Spain. He was also instrumental in the revival of convents, founding the convent of the Carmelite nuns in Tortosa and promoting the convent on Montserrat.
Legacy and Sainthood
Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló was a prolific writer, publishing several works on catechesis, aiming many of his writings specifically towards women. He was an active catechist and contributed to publications like "The Man." His later years were marked by personal difficulties, but his work continued. He died of a stroke on January 27, 1896. The process for his canonization began in 1923, leading to his beatification by Pope John Paul II on October 14, 1979, and his canonization on June 16, 1993. In recognition of his dedication to teaching the faith, Pope John Paul II also proclaimed him the patron saint of catechists on November 6, 1998.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló born and when did he die?
Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló was born on October 16, 1840, and passed away on January 27, 1896.
What is Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló most known for founding?
He is most known for founding the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus in 1876, an order established with the purpose of educating women.
What was his role in religious education?
He was an able catechist and published several works on catechesis, directing many of his writings towards women. He was also proclaimed the patron saint of catechists in 1998.
What was his devotion to Saint Teresa of Ávila?
He had a keen interest in the value of women and dedicated his congregation to Saint Teresa of Ávila, reflecting his deep admiration and spiritual connection to her.
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