María Josefa Recio (1846-1883) was born in Granada, Spain. She became widowed at the early age of 33 and, as a result, dedicated her life to serving and caring unselfishly for those in need. That is to say, that she left her hometown together with her friend, María Angustias, to start what would later become Sisters Hospitallers’ mission.
Maria Josefa was the first superior of our congregation. She led with wisdom and compassion, inspiring others by her example of dedication and hospital service. However, her life was cut short prematurely on 30 October 1883, when she died as a result of an assault on a mentally ill woman she was trying to help.
Giving his life for those in need was an act of heroism that left an indelible mark on the history of the congregation and in the hearts of all of us who are part of it.
Her legacy is undeniable, as are her writings, including her spiritual testament, which are of great patrimonial value to the Hospitallers and to all those who relate to her spirituality.