A woman holds a portrait of Venezuelan doctor Jose Gregorio Hernandez at La Candelaria Church in Caracas on 25 February 2025. Pope Francis, hospitalized in 'critical' condition, authorized the canonization of the "doctor of the poor" Jose Gregorio Hernandez, who will become Venezuela's first saint, the Venezuelan Catholic Church said on 25 February 2025.
Pedro MATTEY / AFP
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A wave of jubilation has swept across Venezuela as Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, a beloved figure known as the "Doctor of the Poor." This landmark decision marks a historic moment for the nation, elevating Hernández to sainthood and recognizing his extraordinary life of service and devotion.
Born in the small Andean village of Isnotú in 1864, José Gregorio Hernández displayed an exceptional intellect from a young age. He pursued his passion for medicine, studying in prestigious institutions across Europe and the United States, including Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and New York. Despite his academic achievements and opportunities for a comfortable life, Hernández chose to return to his homeland, dedicating himself to serving the most vulnerable members of Venezuelan society.
His reputation as a compassionate and skilled physician quickly spread, earning him the moniker "Doctor of the Poor." He tirelessly treated patients, often waiving fees for those who couldn't afford them. During the devastating Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919, Hernández risked his own life to care for the sick, embodying the true spirit of selfless service.
Tragically, his life was cut short in 1919 when he was struck by a car in Caracas. His death, however, did not diminish his legacy. Instead, it fueled a growing devotion, with many Venezuelans attributing miraculous healings and favors to his intercession.
The journey to sainthood has been a long and cherished aspiration for the Venezuelan people. Beatified in 2021, the final step was achieved through the recognition of a miracle: the inexplicable recovery of Yaxury Solórzano Ortega, a young girl who survived a gunshot wound to the head. Medical experts could not explain her recovery, attributing it to the fervent prayers of her mother, who invoked the intercession of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández.
The canonization of José Gregorio Hernández is more than just a religious event; it's a national celebration. He symbolizes the values of compassion, dedication, and unwavering faith, qualities that resonate deeply with the Venezuelan people. In a nation often facing challenges, Hernández's life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
His legacy extends beyond the medical field. He represented the best of Venezuelan spirit, a testament to the power of human kindness and the enduring strength of faith. As Venezuela's first saint, José Gregorio Hernández will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his countrymen, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, compassion and service can illuminate the path to a brighter future.
