Saint Miguel Febres-Cordero y Muñoz

Francisco Luis Febres-Cordero y Muñoz, known as (later Saint) Miguel Febres Cordero and Brother Miguel, was born on November 7, 1854, in Ecuador. He became a professed member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the La Salle Brothers, where he took the name Miguel upon admission. For nearly four decades, he resided in his native home promoting education and evangelization. His work extended to Spain, where he continued his mission for the order. He was a prolific writer, authoring various manuals and publications. On October 30, 1977, Pope Paul VI beatified him, and on October 21, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized him as the first male Ecuadorian saint. His feast day is celebrated annually on February 9. His tomb has become a site of pilgrimage in his native land, honoring him as a national hero.