Paula Montal Fornés
Paula Montal Fornés was a Spanish Roman Catholic professed religious and the foundress of the Sisters of the Pious Schools. She is remembered for her dedication to education in Barcelona, where she founded numerous schools, and for establishing a religious congregation focused on this mission. Her efforts to serve the less fortunate through education led to her canonization.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Paula Montal Fornés was born on October 11, 1799, in Spain.
- ›She was the foundress of the Sisters of the Pious Schools, a religious congregation dedicated to education.
- ›Montal Fornés founded schools for people in Barcelona and other cities in Spain.
- ›She assumed the religious name 'Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz' upon joining her order.
- ›Pope John Paul II beatified her on April 18, 1993, and canonized her on November 25, 2001.
- ›Her order had 732 religious in 108 houses in countries like Guinea-Bissau and Japan by 2005.
Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz
Sisters of the Pious Schools
About Paula Montal Fornés
Paula Montal Fornés (1799–1889) was a Spanish Roman Catholic professed religious and the foundress of the Sisters of the Pious Schools. Renowned for her dedication to education, she established numerous schools, particularly in Barcelona, and founded a religious congregation committed to this mission.
Life and Historical Context
Born on October 11, 1799, Paula Montal Fornés was the eldest of five daughters. Her father's death when she was ten years old necessitated her working as a lace-maker and seamstress to help support her family. This early responsibility fostered a deep sense of care, which she extended to other children in her parish.
In 1829, Montal Fornés, along with her friend Inés Busquets, opened a school in Girona to provide education and spiritual guidance. The success of this initial venture led to the establishment of a college in her hometown in 1842 and another in Sabadell in 1846. To sustain and expand these educational efforts, she formally established her own religious order, the Sisters of the Pious Schools, on February 2, 1847. Upon receiving the habit, she took the religious name Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz. The order received diocesan approval from the Archbishop of Barcelona and later a papal decree of praise from Pope Pius IX in 1860.
Montal Fornés founded a total of seven schools in various cities, including Figueras, Blanes, Igualda, and Masnou. Her activism also led to the establishment of four additional schools. In 1859, she established a school in Barcelona, where she remained for the rest of her life.
Canonization Process
The process for Montal Fornés' sainthood began decades after her death. She was declared a Servant of God in the 1950s, and her heroic virtue was confirmed in 1988, leading to her designation as Venerable. Pope John Paul II beatified her on April 18, 1993, and subsequently canonized her on November 25, 2001.
Legacy
Paula Montal Fornés is remembered as a pioneer in Catholic education in Spain. Her founding of the Sisters of the Pious Schools created an enduring institution dedicated to educating young people, and her canonization highlights her significant contributions to the Church and society through her educational apostolate.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Paula Montal Fornés?
Paula Montal Fornés, also known by her religious name Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz, was a Spanish Roman Catholic professed religious. She is primarily recognized as the foundress of the Sisters of the Pious Schools.
What was Paula Montal Fornés known for?
She is chiefly remembered for her dedication to serving as an educator in Barcelona, where she founded schools for the local population. She also established a religious congregation focused on education and the expansion of schools nationwide.
When did Paula Montal Fornés live?
Paula Montal Fornés was born on October 11, 1799, and died on February 26, 1889. She lived through much of the 19th century.
What is the religious order founded by Paula Montal Fornés?
Paula Montal Fornés founded the Sisters of the Pious Schools. This congregation was established with a primary focus on education and the creation of new schools.
When was Paula Montal Fornés canonized?
Paula Montal Fornés was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 18, 1993, and later canonized by him on November 25, 2001.
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