Blessed Piedad De La Cruz Ortiz Real

Biography

Blessed Piedad De La Cruz Ortiz Real, also known as Tomasa Ortiz Real or PietÖ della Croce Ortiz Real, was born on 12 November 1842 in Bocairente, Valencia, Spain. She was the fifth of eight children born to José and Tomasa Ortiz. At the age of ten, Tomasa experienced a spiritual awakening while receiving her First Communion, which led her to consider a religious vocation.

In 1866, following the death of her mother, the family relocated to Canales, Spain. Despite her desire to enter religious life, Tomasa's father insisted that she stay home to help care for the family. However, she did not give up on her calling and continued to pursue her vocation.

Tomasa attended Loreto College, where she received her education. Determined to follow her religious calling, she attempted to enter a Carmelite convent in Valencia, Spain. Unfortunately, she contracted cholera while there and was forced to return home to her family. In order to contribute to their wellbeing, she became a textile worker.

Eventually, Tomasa had the opportunity to move to Barcelona, Spain, where she had a vision of the Sacred Heart and Jesus showing her the wound in his side. This profound experience solidified her decision to live under the Carmelite rule. She withdrew to live in Puebla de Soto, taking on the name Piedad of the Cross.

In Puebla de Soto, Piedad dedicated herself to caring for sick and orphaned children in the local hospital. Her compassion and tireless efforts to help those in need inspired others, and on 8 September 1890, she founded the Congregation of Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The congregation's mission was to care for the sick, the elderly, and the orphaned and abandoned individuals. The good work initiated by Blessed Piedad continues to this day in Argentina and Bolivia.

Blessed Piedad De La Cruz Ortiz Real passed away on 26 February 1916 in Alcantrarilla, Murcia, Spain of natural causes. When she died, she was found sitting in a chair with a crucifix on her lips, symbolizing her deep devotion to Christ. Her exemplary virtues and selfless service to others led to her veneration, which began on 1 July 2000, when Pope John Paul II declared her heroic virtues.

In recognition of her sanctity and the impact of her life, Blessed Piedad De La Cruz Ortiz Real was beatified on 21 March 2004 by Pope John Paul II. She is remembered on her feast day, 26 February, as a model of selflessness, dedication, and love for those in need.