Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello

Biography

Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello, also known as Enrique or Henry, was born on October 16, 1840, in Vinebre, Tarragona, Spain. He was the youngest of three children born to Jaime and Micaela de Osso y Cervello. From a young age, Enric felt a calling to the priesthood, which his mother fully supported, but his father opposed. At the age of 12, Enric was sent to Quinto de Ebro to learn the textile business from his uncle. However, during his time there, he fell seriously ill and, upon his recovery, decided to return home. Before returning, he made a stop at Our Lady of the Pillar to give thanks for his restored health. Tragically, Enric's mother died during the cholera epidemic of 1854. After her passing, he was sent to Reus to apprentice in the textile business there. However, Enric sought refuge and a new home in the Montserrat monastery. Eventually, his brother James brought him back home, and Enric's father began to comprehend and support his son's desire to follow his vocation. Enric studied in Barcelona, Spain, where he served as a sub-deacon. He later continued his studies in Tortosa, Spain. It was during this time that he became classmates with Blessed Emmanuel Domingo y Sol. On September 21, 1867, Enric was ordained as a priest and celebrated his first Mass at Montserrat, Spain. After his ordination, Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello taught mathematics at the Tortosa seminary. He held a great devotion to Saint Teresa of Avila and sought to bring her reforming zeal to his preaching and parish missions. In 1873, he founded the Association of Young Catholic Daughters of Mary and Saint Teresa of Jesus. This was followed by the establishment of the Institute of Josephine Brothers (Josephine Sisterhood) in 1876 and the Congregation of Saint Teresa (the Teresian Missionaries) in the same year. The congregation received papal approval in 1877 and continues to serve in Europe, Africa, and Mexico. Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello also dedicated himself to writing and published extensively. He founded and wrote for publications such as El Hombre (The Man), El Amigo del Pueble (The Friend of the People), and Revista Teresiana (The Teresian Review). His writings and teachings were often aimed at women, focusing on prayer and living the spiritual life. Tragically, Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello passed away on January 27, 1896, in Gilet, Valencia, Spain, due to a stroke. His relics were re-interred at the chapel of the Teresian Missionaries at Tortona in July 1908. Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello was officially venerated on May 15, 1976, by Pope Paul VI, who declared his heroic virtues. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 14, 1979, in Rome, Italy. Finally, on June 16, 1993, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint in Madrid, Spain. Although Saint Enric De Osso Y Cervello does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life of devotion, education, and missionary zeal inspires countless individuals today. His legacy lives on through the Congregation of Saint Teresa and the Teresian Missionaries, who continue to spread his teachings and serve communities around the world.