Saint Josep Manyanet Y Vives

Biography

Saint Josep Manyanet Y Vives was born on January 7, 1833, in Trempe, Catalonia, Spain. He came from a large and deeply religious family, and from a young age, he showed a strong devotion to Our Lady. At the tender age of five, his mother dedicated him to Our Lady of the Pillar, setting the stage for his lifelong commitment to the Catholic faith. Josep received his education at the Piarist Fathers in Barbastro, Spain, where he was known for his intelligence and piety. He continued his studies at seminaries in Lleida and Urgell, further deepening his understanding of theology and spirituality. His dedication to his faith led him to be ordained as a priest on April 9, 1859. After his ordination, Father Josep served as the private secretary to the bishop of Urgell. He also took on several important roles within the Church, including seminary librarian, chancery administrator, and secretary for pastoral visitations. Through these positions, he demonstrated his organizational skills and his commitment to the pastoral care of the faithful. In 1864, Saint Josep founded the Congregation of the Sons of the Holy Family (also known as the Manyanet Fathers). This religious congregation was dedicated to serving Christian families, emphasizing teaching and parish ministry. The congregation quickly grew and spread its work throughout Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The Manyanet Fathers established schools and ministerial centers in various Spanish towns. In 1874, Saint Josep founded the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This religious congregation, led by women, shared a similar mission as the Manyanet Fathers, focusing on serving Christian families, education, and parish work. The Missionary Daughters also expanded their ministry to different continents, contributing to faith formation and social welfare. Throughout his life, Saint Josep authored numerous books and pamphlets, promoting devotion to the Holy Family. His writings aimed to aid the spiritual formation of the members of his congregations, provide guidance for families in distress, and offer insights into effective school management. He also founded the magazine La Sagrada Familia to propagate these spiritual teachings. However, one of Saint Josep's most famous endeavors was his dedication to the construction of the Temple of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This magnificent architectural project was conceived by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Saint Josep tirelessly worked to promote the construction of this temple, which aimed to honor the Holy Family. The Sagrada Familia remains an important landmark and a testament to the devotion and perseverance exhibited by both Saint Josep and Gaudí. Saint Josep Manyanet Y Vives passed away on December 17, 1901, in San Andréd de Palomar, Spain, due to natural causes. His life of selfless service and devotion to the Holy Family earned him recognition for his heroic virtues, and on July 12, 1982, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable. Subsequently, on November 25, 1984, he was beatified by the same Pope. Finally, on May 16, 2004, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint in Rome, Italy. Although Saint Josep Manyanet Y Vives has not been officially designated a patron for any particular cause or group, he continues to inspire Catholics worldwide with his dedication to the Holy Family, education, and the pastoral care of families. His legacy lives on through the work of the Manyanet Fathers and the Missionary Daughters, who continue to serve the Church in numerous countries across the globe.