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Manuel Míguez González

Manuel Míguez González, also known as Faustino of the Incarnation, was a Spanish Piarist priest and founder of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess. He is remembered for his dedication to education, science, and pastoral care, and for using his scientific knowledge to create natural medicines. He established his religious congregation to educate marginalized and illiterate women.

Country Or Region
Spain

Key Facts

  • Born Manuel Míguez González on March 24, 1831, in Ourense Province, Spain.
  • He was a professed member of the Piarists and ordained a priest in 1856.
  • He founded the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess, also known as the Calasanzian Institute, on January 2, 1885.
  • He gained a reputation as a formidable pastor dedicated to education and science.
  • He used his scientific knowledge to concoct natural medicines for the ILL.
  • He was canonized as a saint on October 15, 2017.
Also Known As

Faustino of the Incarnation

Birth Year
1831
Death Year
1925
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Role Type
Religious Order
Canonized By
Pope Francis
Canonization Year
2017
Beatified By
Pope John Paul II
Beatification Year
1998

About Manuel Míguez González

Manuel Míguez González (1831–1925)

Manuel Míguez González, known in religion as Faustino of the Incarnation, was a Spanish priest and a member of the Piarist order. He is primarily recognized as the founder of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess, an organization also known as the Calasanzian Institute. His life was marked by a strong commitment to pastoral care, education, and the application of scientific knowledge for the benefit of others.

Life and Ministry

Born in Ourense Province on March 24, 1831, Manuel Míguez González was the youngest of four children. He entered the novitiate of the Piarists in Madrid in 1850, where he took the religious name Faustino of the Incarnation. He was ordained a priest on March 8, 1856. Early in his priesthood, he served in various schools and missions, including a period in Cuba from 1857 to 1860. During his priestly duties, he was noted for his patience and sage advice, particularly in hearing confessions.

González possessed a keen interest in natural sciences, studying them during his education. This led him to investigate the healing properties of plants, which he believed were divine remedies for various ailments. He often prepared medicines to aid those who sought his help. A significant turning point in his ministry occurred when he encountered marginalized and illiterate women, which inspired him to address their plight.

Founding the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess

Driven by a desire to aid illiterate and marginalized women, Manuel Míguez González established the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess on January 2, 1885. This congregation, also known as the Calasanzian Institute, was founded with a strong emphasis on educating women to promote their role in society. The order received diocesan approval in 1889 and later papal recognition.

Sainthood

The process for Manuel Míguez González's beatification began in Madrid in 1953. He was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II on December 21, 1992, after recognition of his heroic virtue. Following the investigation and approval of two miracles, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's Square on October 25, 1998. Pope Francis confirmed his canonization on December 21, 2016, and he was officially canonized as a saint on October 15, 2017.

Legacy

Manuel Míguez González is remembered for his dedication to the poor and marginalized, particularly women, through the establishment of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess. His dual commitment to spiritual guidance and the practical application of scientific knowledge for healing cemented his reputation as a compassionate and resourceful servant of God.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Manuel Míguez González?

Manuel Míguez González, known in religion as Faustino of the Incarnation, was a Spanish priest and a member of the Piarists. He is primarily remembered as the founder of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess.

What was Manuel Míguez González known for?

He was known for his strong pastoral dedication, his commitment to education and science, and his use of scientific knowledge to create natural medicines to help the sick. He also founded a religious congregation to educate women.

When was Manuel Míguez González canonized?

Manuel Míguez González was canonized as a saint on October 15, 2017, by Pope Francis.

What religious order did Manuel Míguez González found?

He founded the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess, which is also known as the Calasanzian Institute. This congregation was established to educate women, particularly those who were marginalized and illiterate.