Saint Francisco Coll Guitart

Biography

Saint Francisco Coll Guitart, also known as Francis Coll Guitart or Frans Coll Guitart, was born on May 18, 1812, in Grombeny, in the Catalan Pyrenees region of Spain. He was one of ten children, but unfortunately, his father Peter died when Francis was only four years old. Despite this early tragedy, Francis had a strong Catholic upbringing, which would greatly shape his life's work. At the age of six, Francis was confirmed in 1818, demonstrating an early commitment to his faith. He began his formal education at a young age, entering the seminary in Vichy, France, at the age of ten in 1822. It was during his time at the seminary that Francis became a student of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who would become a significant influence in his journey as a Catholic saint. Even as a young boy, Francis had a natural inclination towards teaching and guiding others in the Catholic faith. He taught grammar and catechism to local children, showcasing his dedication to spreading knowledge and nurturing the spiritual growth of those around him. Inspired by his studies and his experiences with Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Francis decided to join the Dominican Order at Vichy in 1830 when he was eighteen years old. However, during this time, monastic orders were suppressed by the government, making it challenging for Francis to pursue his religious vocation openly. Undeterred by these obstacles, Francis continued his studies covertly, cultivating his spiritual knowledge and deepening his relationship with God. Finally, on March 28, 1836, he was ordained as a priest at Vichy, marking a significant milestone in his journey. Francis's first assignment as a parish priest was in Arles, France. However, in 1839, he was reassigned to Moya, an area devastated by war and flooded with starving refugees. In this challenging environment, Francis dedicated himself to helping those in need. He established charitable organizations to provide food and shelter for the suffering, devoting ten years of his life to assisting the poor and displaced in Moya. During this time, he also collaborated with Saint Anthony Claret in founding the Apostolic Fraternity in 1846, a group devoted to the promotion of Christian values and the spreading of the Gospel. Francis's dedication to charitable work and his commitment to the ideals of his faith continued to guide his actions. Upon his reassignment as the director of the tertiaries in Vichy in 1850, Francis took the opportunity to reopen the suppressed Dominican monastery. He initiated a program of preaching throughout the Catalan region, using his sermons to enlighten and inspire the faithful. Tragedy struck again when a cholera epidemic broke out in 1854, affecting the region. Undeterred by the risks, Francis worked tirelessly in service to the cholera victims, providing comfort and spiritual guidance to the afflicted. In 1856, Francis founded the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as La Annunciata. This teaching branch of tertiaries grew rapidly, and by the time of his death, the order had established fifty houses in Europe and America. Today, the congregation has expanded further, with over 140 houses worldwide. Despite his numerous achievements, Francis faced personal hardships. During a homily he was delivering at Sallent on December 2, 1869, he suddenly lost his sight. Although his health was impaired from that moment on, he steadfastly refused to retire and continued his work in service to God and his fellow human beings. When the Dominicans were officially allowed to return to the region in 1872, they discovered that Francis had been able to maintain and preserve the primary structures, both physically and administratively, of their order. Instead of starting anew, they reclaimed what was rightfully theirs and resumed their mission, thanks to Francis's efforts. Saint Francisco Coll Guitart passed away on April 2, 1875, in Vic, Barcelona, Spain, due to natural causes. His relics were enshrined in the La Annunciata motherhouse, serving as a continued symbol of his legacy and inspiring future generations. Recognizing his exceptional virtues, Pope Paul VI declared his heroic virtues on May 4, 1970, paving the way for his beatification. On April 29, 1979, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the status of Blessed, honoring his remarkable contributions to the Catholic Church. Finally, on October 11, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI canonized him as Saint Francisco Coll Guitart, cementing his place as a revered figure within the Catholic faith. Although no specific patronage has been officially assigned to Saint Francisco Coll Guitart, his unwavering commitment to serving the disadvantaged and his dedication to education make him an ideal intercessor for those in need, particularly in the realms of social justice and Christian instruction. His feast days are celebrated on April 2 and May 19 (liturgical celebration of his baptism).