L​ife and hospital legacy of María Josefa Recio

October 30 is the anniversary of the life and hospital legacy of María Josefa Recio Martín, founder of the Sister Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This year marks the 137th anniversary of this day, and the entire Hospital Community joined in this celebration, remembering their enormous work and dedication to the Institution.

His life was short but fruitful and his example continues to be a light that shines in the sky of Hospitality.

Venerable Maria Josefa Recio

She was born in Granada (Spain) on March 19, 1846. Family upbringing and her history of Christian solidarity transformed her into a model for a young man and a wife (she married and was widowed at 33 years of age).

From 1871 he lived a deep human and spiritual friendship with Mª Angustias Giménez Vera. With her, he left Granada in the direction of Ciempozuelos (Madrid) where they arrived on June 21, 1880, to carry out, under the instructions of Father Menni, the foundation of the Congregation that took place in Ciempozuelos, on May 31, 1881.

She was the first Superior General of the Congregation and died a victim of her heroic charity, as a result of the blows received by a mentally ill woman on October 30, 1883.

His spiritual legacy is condensed in his Testament and in the example of his life that remains alive in the Congregation.

On May 10, 2012, Benedict XVI signed the decree recognizing that MARÍA JOSEFA RECIO MARTÍN, Founder of the Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, lived the Christian virtues to a heroic degree, declaring her VENERABLE.

Learn more about our founder, María Josefa Recio: Presentation

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