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Feast Day: October 26
Birth: October 26, 1864
Death: June 1, 29
Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, known as Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, was born on October 26, 1864 in Isnot√∫, Trujillo, Venezuela. He was the eldest of six children born to Benigno María Hernández Manzaneda and Josefa Antonia Cisneros Mansilla. José was baptized on January 30, 1865, and later confirmed on December 6, 1867.
At the age of 18, José embarked on his journey to become a medical professional by enrolling at the University of Caracas in Venezuela. After completing his studies, he graduated with a degree in medicine on June 29, 1888. He then pursued further medical education in Paris, France, and Berlin, Germany.
However, despite his success in the medical field, José felt a calling to religious life. In response to this calling, he joined the Secular Franciscans on December 7, 1899. During his spiritual journey, José also considered becoming a Carthusian monk. He traveled to Rome, Italy, to pursue theological studies but was forced to return to Caracas due to health issues.
José interpreted this experience as a sign that he should abandon his plans for religious life and instead serve as a physician. With a deep commitment to prayer and caring for the poor, he devoted the rest of his life to serving the less fortunate without charge. José lived a celibate and virtuous life, dedicating himself entirely to his medical vocation.
Tragically, on June 29, 1919, while delivering medications he had purchased for an elderly patient, José was struck by a car in Caracas, Venezuela. He succumbed to his injuries and passed away on the same day he was previously confirmed, June 29.
Following his death, José's relics were enshrined in the church of Our Lady of Candelaria in Caracas, where they are venerated by the faithful. His exemplary life of compassion, selflessness, and dedication to the poor led Pope John Paul II to recognize his heroic virtues on January 16, 1986.
Finally, on April 30, 2021, Pope Francis beatified José Gregorio Hernández during a ceremony held at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas. The beatification miracle attributed to his intercession involved the healing of Yaxury Solorzano, a 10-year-old girl from the diocese of San Fernando de Apure, Venezuela. Yaxury had suffered a severe head injury from a shotgun during an armed robbery on March 10, 2017. Her mother fervently prayed for the intercession of the then Venerable José Gregorio, and miraculously, the girl's health began to improve. With her condition steadily improving, surgery was no longer necessary, and she was eventually released in good health.
Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, known for his unwavering faith, is revered as a model of selfless dedication, medical expertise, and compassionate care for the less fortunate. His beatification serves as an inspiration to all who seek to live their lives in service to others.