The canonization of our blessed José Gregorio Hernández, constitutes a milestone of enormous importance for Venezuela. Beyond its religious meaning, it represents a ray of hope in a country marked by economic crisis, forced migration and social difficulties. His statement as a saint is a recognition not only to his life of delivery and faith, but also to the deep roots that his figure has in the heart of the Venezuelan people.
The Holy Doctor José Gregorio Hernández, born on October 26, 1864 in Isnotu, the small town in the state of Trujillo, demonstrated from a young age an unwavering vocation for science and faith. He graduated as a doctor at the Central University of Venezuela and perfected his knowledge in Paris, bringing the country medical advances that revolutionized the teaching and practice of medicine in Venezuela, not only as a doctor, but as a teacher and pioneer in the teaching of bacteriology and histology in Venezuela. His work helped modernize medicine in the country.
But beyond his academic and professional achievements, which made him a venerated figure was his inexhaustible charity. His office was a shelter for the most needy, whom he attended without charging a penny and, on many occasions, providing them with medications from their own pocket. This absolute delivery for others led him to be recognized as the “doctor of the poor.”
On June 29, 1919, at 54, he died in Caracas after being hit by a car. His death shocked the country, but it was only the beginning of a popular devotion that, over the years, transcended the Venezuelan borders.
Since his death, thousands of faithful began to attribute miracles to the saint of the people, especially inexplicable cures for science. His beatification, announced by Pope Francis in 2020, was received with joy by millions of Venezuelans inside and outside the country. Now, with his canonization, José Gregorio Hernández officially becomes the first Venezuelan saint, a historical fact that reaffirms his place in the national and religious identity of Venezuela.
Canonization is not just an ecclesiastical recognition; It is the confirmation of what the people already knew: José Gregorio Hernández is a saint. Faith in Him transcends generations and social classes. In the neighborhoods of the big cities, in the farthest hamlets, in hospitals and in the most diverse homes, their image accompanies Venezuelans in their daily lives. Its legacy of service and compassion is still alive in those who seek to relieve the suffering of others.
The canonization of José Gregorio Hernández arrives at a critical moment for Venezuela. In the midst of a situation that has led millions of citizens to emigrate, their figure takes on an even deeper meaning. It is a reminder that solidarity, faith and commitment to common welfare can be a lighthouse in the dark.
In a country divided by the political and economic, its legacy of unity and service is an urgent teaching. José Gregorio did not discriminate between rich and poor, between believers and non -believers, between opponents and officials. His love for humanity was universal, and his example can serve to inspire a new path of national reconciliation.
Canonization is also an event that strengthens the faith of the people. In times of hopelessness, finding in spirituality a shelter and a guide can be vital. The Catholic Church in Venezuela, beaten by the country’s crisis and the decline of traditional religiosity, receives with this fact a renewed impulse for its pastoral and social work.
Despite the officialization of his holiness by the Vatican, José Gregorio was already holy in the heart of Venezuelans. His image is on improvised altars in thousands of homes, in hospital chapels and in sanctuaries built with popular devotion. His cult has crossed the borders, extending through Latin America and between the vast Venezuelan diaspora that finds in him a link with his homeland.
Official canonization is also a recognition of unwavering faith of a people who have kept their memory alive for more than a century. Now, Venezuela has its first saint, but beyond ecclesiastical titles, its example will continue to be a guide for all Venezuelans who believe in a better, more fair and more human world. Goodness and delivery to others are facts that transcend religions.
With José Gregorio Hernández, Venezuela receives a new symbol of faith and hope. At a time when the country needs more than ever a moral inspiration, its legacy reminds us that compassion, solidarity and delivery by neighbor are the real paths towards greatness.
