Blessed Francisco Gárate Aranguren

Biography

Blessed Francisco Gárate Aranguren, also known as Brother Kindness, was born on 3 February 1857 in Azpeitia, Guip√∫zcoa, Spain. He was the second of seven boys born to Francisco and Maria Aranguren, a devoutly religious farm family in the Basque region of northern Spain. It is worth noting that three of Francisco's brothers also grew up to become Jesuit brothers.

At the age of 14, Francisco left home to work as a domestic servant at the newly opened Jesuit College of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua in Orduña, Spain. It was during this time that he encountered the Jesuits and experienced a deep spiritual calling. By the age of 17, he made the courageous decision to join the Jesuits himself.

In order to pursue his vocation, Francisco traveled on foot to Poyanne in southern France, as the Jesuits had been expelled from Spain following the revolution of 1868. He entered the initiate and on 2 February 1876, he made his initial vows as a Jesuit lay brother. His final vows followed on 15 August 1877.

From early 1877, Francisco served as a sacristan and infirmarian at the La Guadia college. In this role, he was responsible for the medical care of 200 young men. His kindness and dedication to his duties quickly earned him a reputation as a compassionate caregiver and a source of wisdom and advice for all.

In March 1888, Francisco was assigned to the Jesuit Duesto college, where he served as a doorkeeper, sacristan, and infirmarian for the next 40 years. Throughout his time at Duesto, he continued to exemplify a life of piety and simplicity. He was known for his constant prayer, carrying a rosary wherever he went, and living a deeply ordinary life with devotion to God.

Blessed Francisco became widely beloved among the students for his kind care and charitable spirit. He was known to offer spiritual guidance and support to all who sought his counsel. As a doorkeeper, he was often seen holding a key, symbolizing his role as a gatekeeper to the Jesuit community. Additionally, he would frequently be seen with a rosary in his hands, representing his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his commitment to prayer.

Blessed Francisco Gárate Aranguren passed away on 9 September 1929, at 7:00 am, in Deusto, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain. His death was a result of complications involving a block urethra. At his funeral, former students paid their respects by placing rosaries and crucifixes on his coffin, requesting his posthumous blessing. In August 1946, his remains were re-interred, and once again, in 1964.

On 11 February 1982, Pope John Paul II declared Francisco Gárate Aranguren to be venerable, recognizing his heroic virtues. Then, on 6 October 1985, Pope John Paul II beatified him in Rome, Italy, honoring his sanctity and affirming his blessed status within the Catholic Church.

Today, Blessed Francisco Gárate Aranguren is remembered as an inspirational example of living a life of piety, simplicity, and kindness. His devotion to prayer, his care for others, and his dedication to the Jesuit community have left a lasting legacy of faith and love.