A Franciscan Saint for the Entire World
Dr. José Gregorio Hernández was a Venezuelan physician born in 1864 and a member of the Secular Franciscan Order since joining the Fraternity of La Merced in Caracas in 1899.
As a physician and university professor, he stood out for his Christian and merciful care for the neediest patients, for which he is known as the “doctor of the poor.” His life was deeply rooted in love for God and his neighbor, reinforced by his love for the Eucharist, which is why he attended Mass daily and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. In doing so, he deepened his growing desire to dedicate his life entirely to the Lord. Following the Gospel without gloss was reflected in his life, just as he was in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose faithful son he was. Seeking evangelical perfection, he left everything behind—profession, family, and personal possessions—to enter the Charterhouse of Farneta (Italy) in 1908. However, due to health reasons and his difficult adaptation to the work and climate of the place, he was forced to withdraw nine months after entering. However, he continued in his commitment to dedicate his life to the Lord, entering a diocesan seminary in Caracas, from which he also had to withdraw due to serious health problems.
It was then that, listening to serious recommendations regarding his aspiration to dedicate his life to following Christ, he realized that by fulfilling his duty as a physician and university professor, as a lay Franciscan, he could continue along the narrow path of the Gospel.
He was run over and died while caring for a patient on June 29, 1919, at the age of 55. He sensed his death was approaching, when the First World War, for which he had given his life, had ended a year earlier. He left behind a renowned legacy, guided by a life of great humility, devoted to the exercise of the most heroic virtues.
May Saint José Gregorio Hernández, brother of our OFS, instill in us the desire for holiness that permeated his entire life!