Blessed Manuel Domingo Y Sol

Biography

Blessed Manuel Domingo Y Sol, also known as Manuel Domingo Sol i Estruch, was born on 1 April 1836 in Tortosa, Tarragona, Spain. He was one of twelve children in his family and showed great devotion to his faith from a young age. At the age of 15, Manuel entered the diocesan seminary in Tortosa to pursue his vocation to the priesthood.

After years of diligent study and formation, Manuel was ordained a priest in the diocese of Tortosa on 9 July 1860. Throughout his priestly ministry, he served in various capacities, including as a parish priest, catechist, seminary teacher, spiritual director, preacher, mission director, and confessor to three cloistered convents. He dedicated himself to working with laborers, especially youth, offering them guidance and support.

Manuel's compassion and concern extended to seminarians who faced difficulties in their lives while studying. In response, he founded the House of Joseph, a place that fostered and supported priestly vocations and seminarians. The House of Joseph quickly grew in success, aiding hundreds of young men. Inspired by its accomplishments, Manuel founded the Diocesan Laborer Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also known as the Fraternity of Worker Priests, in 1881.

Understanding the importance of proper training for future priests, Manuel established the Spanish College of Saint Joseph in Rome, Italy in 1892. This institution became a center of priestly formation and has since trained thousands of priests, contributing greatly to the Catholic Church. Manuel's devotion to the priesthood and his tireless efforts in supporting those discerning a vocation gained him great respect and admiration.

Blessed Manuel Domingo Y Sol passed away on 25 January 1909 in Tortosa, Spain, due to natural causes. His holiness and exemplary life were acknowledged by Pope Paul VI, who declared him venerable on 4 May 1970, recognizing his heroic virtues. Later, on 29 March 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him, affirming the sanctity and impact of his life on the faithful.

Blessed Manuel Domingo Y Sol stands as an inspiring example of selflessness, dedication to the priesthood, and commitment to nurturing priestly vocations. His legacy lives on through the work of the Diocesan Laborer Priests, the House of Joseph, and the Spanish College of Saint Joseph, institutions that continue to support and empower future priests in their service to the Church. His feast day is celebrated on 25 January, marking the anniversary of his entrance into eternal life.