All Saints’ Day is a special occasion when the Church celebrates those who, by their life of faith, inspire us to follow the path of holiness. At Sisters Hospitallers, this day is an opportunity to remember and venerate our Holy Protectors, who, according to congregational tradition, have been beacons of light and guidance since the earliest days of the foundation.
The Icon of the Holy Protectors
Author: María Francisca Robles Montesinos | Technique: Mixed, silicate and oil on wood paste. | Size: 120 x 85 cm
The icon of the Holy Protectors is a symbol deeply rooted in our devotional tradition. Through it, we remember those saints who, by their life and mission, have marked the history of the Congregation and continue to accompany us on our hospitaller journey. This image not only reminds us of their intercession and support, but also invites us to live in the communion of saints, as brothers and sisters in faith.
Our Holy Protectors are not only models of Christian living, but also examples of how to embody hospitality in its purest form. Through their lives, they inspire us to move forward in our mission, illuminating our path and sustaining us by their example and protection. Each of them has a special meaning for us, and together they form a spiritual pillar for our community. They are:
Saint Joseph: paradigm of gratuitousness in Hospitality.
St. Joseph, the artisan of Nazareth and foster father of Jesus, stands out in the Gospel accounts of his childhood. His figure, valued by the Holy Fathers and Saint Teresa of Jesus, symbolises gratuity in hospitality. His dialogue with the angel highlights his faith and willingness to accept the mystery of the incarnation. Joseph represents a disinterested paternal love, fundamental in the formation of new vocations and the transition to new life. His protection has been renewed by Pope Francis in his letter Patris corde.
Saint John of God: secondary patron of the Congregation and model of love for the sick.
Saint John of God, known for his radical conversion, lived a life marked by humility and service. He took on simple tasks and dedicated his life to caring for the most needy, especially the mentally ill. Inspired by the Word of God, he lived the ‘folly of God’s love’ in Christ. His legacy is a call to Sisters Hospitallers to consecrate themselves fully to this love. St John of God is the secondary patron of the Congregation, representing an ideal of compassionate service and total dedication.
Saint Raphael the Archangel: protector of the revitalisation of our Hospitaller vocation.
Saint Raphael, whose name means ‘medicine of God’, is a symbol of divine protection and accompaniment in our hospitaller mission. His story in the Bible, especially in the book of Tobit, highlights his role as a mediator of healing and guidance. As we contemplate his figure, we are reminded of our vocation to be bearers of Jesus’ healing presence, continuing his work and being medicine for those who suffer. St. Raphael inspires us to live our mission with love and dedication.
St. Augustine of Hippo: ecclesial reference for community life.
St. Augustine, an African philosopher and theologian of the Berber ethnic group, is considered the greatest reference for community life in the Church. His work, The Confessions, stresses the importance of friendship and community life. The Congregation adopted his Rule of Life, reflected in his icon. In evoking his life, we are called to overcome individualism, foster fraternal community, and live in unity, promoting incarnation in diverse cultures, as he did in his Greco-Roman and African context.
St. Teresa of Jesus: master of apostolic care and the mysticism of Hospitality.
St. Teresa of Jesus, the first woman Doctor of the Church, chose the contemplative religious life despite her father’s opposition. Together with St. John of the Cross, she reformed Carmel in the context of the Council of Trent, founding monasteries of Discalced Carmelites. Her mystical life, marked by fortitude, teaches us to embrace the love of God and to transform our prayer into a loving encounter with Him. Her motto, ‘God alone is enough’, resonates in the vocation of consecrated women.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Patroness of the Congregation, example of charity.
St. Elizabeth, daughter of a king, dedicated her life to the service of the needy, beginning in her family environment and expanding her charity by creating a hospital in her castle. She lived a Franciscan spirituality, evidenced by her simplicity and humility. His miracle of transforming alms into roses symbolises his merciful love. She founded a lay fraternity with companions, reflecting the call to humility and love in our mission. She was canonised only four years after her death, recognising her impact on Europe.
St. Camillus de Lelis: model in the encounter with the sick, inspirer of our mission.
Born to a deeply spiritual mother and a military father, St Camillus had a tumultuous youth that culminated in a strong commitment to God. His encounter with the sick defined his mission to care for those to whom no one else cared, leading to the founding of the ‘Camillians’. The cross on his tunic symbolises his role as a slave-servant to the sick, whom he considers ‘Christ Crucified’. His legacy invites us to see the sick as living images of Jesus and as a source of spirituality.
On this All Saints’ Day, we give thanks for the spiritual legacy of our Holy Protectors. Their life is a guiding light for our commitment to the sick and needy, and their intercession strengthens us in our mission of hospitality. May their example continue to light our way and inspire us to live boldly and generously, in the love of Christ.