Saint Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz

Saint Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz, also known as Paula Montal Fornes, was born on 11 October 1799 in Arenys de Mar, a small seaside village near Barcelona, Spain. She was the daughter of Ramon and Vicenta Fornes Montal and grew up in a large and devoutly Catholic family. Sadly, Paula's father passed away when she was only 10 years old. Despite this loss, she continued to grow in her faith and embraced her responsibility of helping to raise her younger siblings. Paula worked as a seamstress and lace-maker to support her family while also assisting her parish in caring for other children in need. As Paula reached the age of thirty, still unmarried, she felt a calling to dedicate her life fully to God.

Alongside her friend Inez Busquets, she opened a school in Gerona, Spain, in order to provide children with a quality education intertwined with spiritual guidance. This school quickly flourished, prompting Paula to establish a college in May 1842 and another school in 1846. In order to effectively manage and staff these educational institutions, Paula founded the Daughters of Mary, also known as the Pious School Sisters or Escolapias, on 2 February 1847. Pius IX, the Blessed Pope at the time, recognized and approved this congregation in 1860. Paula took on the religious name of Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz as she led the congregation with deep devotion, commitment, and love. The schools founded by Paula and her sisters rapidly expanded, reaching four continents in their mission to provide education and spiritual formation.

Their tireless efforts to foster a holistic approach to learning garnered significant recognition, and ultimately, their impact on society garnered the attention of Pope John Paul II. On 28 November 1988, Pope John Paul II declared Paula's heroic virtues and venerated her for her commitment to God and education. Following this recognition, Paula was beatified on 18 April 1993 by Pope John Paul II in Rome. Finally, on 25 November 2001, she was canonized as a saint by the same Pope John Paul II, thereby further acknowledging her exemplary life and unwavering devotion. Although no particular attribute or symbol has been commonly associated with Saint Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz, her life remains an inspiration to all who strive to integrate faith, education, and service.