Teresa Jornet Ibars
Teresa Jornet Ibars, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish religious sister and the founder of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly. She is remembered for her dedication to caring for the old and ill, establishing a congregation that continues this work internationally. Her life of heroic virtue led to her canonization.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Teresa Jornet Ibars was born on January 9, 1843, in Lleida, Spain.
- ›She founded the religious congregation of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly.
- ›Her great-uncle was Francisco Palau, and she was a friend and confidante of Saturnino López Novoa.
- ›Pope Pius XII beatified her on April 27, 1958, and Pope Paul VI canonized her on January 27, 1974.
- ›She died of tuberculosis on August 26, 1897, in Liria, Spain.
- ›As of 2019, her congregation had over 2,000 sisters in 21 countries.
Saint Teresa of Jesus
Old Age
Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
About Teresa Jornet Ibars
Teresa Jornet Ibars (Saint Teresa of Jesus)
Teresa Jornet Ibars (January 9, 1843 – August 26, 1897), also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish religious sister renowned for founding the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly. Her life's work was dedicated to the care of the old and ill, establishing a religious congregation that has since grown to operate internationally.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a farming family in Lleida, Spain, Teresa Jornet Ibars displayed an early concern for the poor. Despite facing obstacles due to anti-clerical laws at the time, which prevented her from joining the Poor Clares, she eventually became a member of the Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Following her father's death and a period of illness, she was introduced to Saturnino López Novoa, who encouraged her to dedicate herself to aiding the elderly.
Founding the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly
On October 11, 1872, Teresa Jornet Ibars, along with her sister Maria and friend Mercedes Calzada i Senan, opened a house in Barbastro. There, she founded a religious congregation, taking the name Teresa of Jesus in honor of Teresa of Ávila. She was vested in the habit on January 27, 1873, and became the congregation's first superior. The motherhouse was established in Valencia on May 8, 1873, and the congregation received papal decrees of praise and formal approval from Pope Pius IX and Pope Leo XIII, respectively.
Later Life and Death
Ibars served as superior general for the congregation and was re-elected in 1896. During a cholera outbreak in 1897, she tended to victims before retiring to the order's house in Liria, where she died of tuberculosis on August 26, 1897. Her remains were later transferred to Valencia.
Canonization and Legacy
The process for her beatification began in 1945, and she was declared Venerable by Pope Pius XII in 1957. Pope Pius XII beatified her in 1958, and Pope Paul VI canonized her on January 27, 1974. In 1977, she was proclaimed the patron saint of old age in Spain. As of 2019, the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly had over 2,000 sisters in 204 houses across 21 countries, continuing her legacy of care for the elderly.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Teresa Jornet Ibars?
Teresa Jornet Ibars was a Spanish religious sister, born in 1843, who founded the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly. She dedicated her life to the care of the old and ill.
What is Teresa Jornet Ibars known for?
She is chiefly remembered for founding the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, a religious congregation dedicated to serving the elderly and sick. She is also venerated as Saint Teresa of Jesus.
When was Teresa Jornet Ibars canonized?
Teresa Jornet Ibars was canonized by Pope Paul VI on January 27, 1974. She had been beatified by Pope Pius XII on April 27, 1958.
What was the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly?
This is a religious congregation founded by Teresa Jornet Ibars to provide dedicated care for the elderly and infirm. The congregation received papal approval and has since expanded its work internationally.
Where did Teresa Jornet Ibars live and work?
Teresa Jornet Ibars was born and lived primarily in Spain, specifically in the region of Lleida and later in Barbastro and Valencia, where she founded her congregation. She died in Liria, Spain.
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