Today, in Sisters Hospitallers, we remember with gratitude the Venerable Maria Josefa Recio, one of the foundresses of our congregation. Her life was an exemplary testimony of dedication, compassion and hospitality towards the most vulnerable. Together with St. Benedict Menni and Maria Angustias Gimenez, Maria Josefa planted the seed of what today is a work of service dedicated to the integral care of those suffering from mental and physical illnesses.

From a very young age, María Josefa felt called to dedicate her life to the service of others. With a sensitive heart and an unwavering faith, she pushed for the creation of a place where the sick and marginalized would not only be treated, but also welcomed with love, respect and dignity. Her vocation was not only to serve as a caregiver, but to teach the other sisters to be “true mothers ” to each patient. Under her leadership, hospitality was not a mere duty, but an act of transforming love.

Maria Josefa passed away on October 30, 1883, but she left a legacy that lives on in each of the sisters and collaborators of the congregation. In her will, she left us words that resonate in our hearts today:

“Courage, my daughters, courage, from heaven I will pray for all, and tell those who come that I love them all the same, both the first and the last who are about to come to this Congregation.”

These words are a reminder that love, self-giving and hospitality have no limits or boundaries. Mary Josepha inspires us each day to be instruments of hope and to care for each person with the same love that she gave in life.

In her memory, we renew our commitment to the mission of the Sisters Hospitallers: to offer comprehensive care to those most in need, ensuring that every gesture of care is an act of love and hospitality.