Blessed Cristóbal López De Valladolid Orea

Biography

Blessed Cristóbal López De Valladolid Orea, also known as Cristóbal of Saint Catherine, was born on 25 July 1638 in a humble farming family in Mérida, Badajoz, Spain. He was one of six brothers, and from a young age, he displayed a deep piety and strong inclination towards the religious life. At the tender age of 7 or 8, Cristóbal ran away from home with the intention of joining the Friars Minor, but his mother sent his brothers to retrieve him and bring him back.

Cristóbal's dedication to his faith continued to grow, and he eagerly served as an altar boy whenever the opportunity arose. As he grew older, he felt called to care for the sick, so he began working as a nurse in a hospital operated by the Order of Saint John of God.

The young Cristóbal's calling to the priesthood became apparent, and on 20 March 1663, he was ordained a priest in Badajoz, Spain. Shortly after his ordination, he became a military chaplain serving the Spanish army engaged in the conflict in Portugal. However, due to deteriorating health, he was compelled to return home.

In 1667, Cristóbal retreated to the mountains of El Bañuelo, where he embraced the solitude of a hermit's life. During this time, he dedicated himself to studying the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1671, inspired by his deepening understanding of the Franciscan charism, he joined the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, assuming the name Cristóbal of Saint Catherine.

Motivated by his love for Christ and the sick, Blessed Cristóbal established the Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus the Nazarene in Córdoba, Spain, on 11 February 1673. This congregation was dedicated to providing holistic care to those in need, attending to both their physical and spiritual well-being. The Franciscan Hospitallers of Jesus the Nazarene received papal approval from Pope Benedict XIV in 1746, confirming the importance and legitimacy of their mission.

Blessed Cristóbal lived as an example of selfless service, devoting himself tirelessly to the care of the sick and less fortunate. His unwavering dedication to his calling led him to remain at the bedside of patients during a cholera epidemic, and it was during this time that he contracted the disease himself. On 21 July 1690, with a crucifix in hand, Father Cristóbal passed away, becoming a victim of the disease he had been striving to alleviate.

Recognizing his heroic virtues and selfless commitment to serving the sick, Blessed Cristóbal López De Valladolid Orea was venerated on 28 June 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. On 7 April 2013, Pope Benedict XVI beatified him, declaring him blessed during a ceremony held at the Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. This beatification became a significant mark of Pope Benedict's papacy, representing his first approval of such an honor. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, rejoicing in the recognition and celebration of Blessed Cristóbal's virtuous life.