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Anniversary of the canonisation of St. Benedict Menni

Pope John Paul II proclaimed our funder a saint in the Vatican City of Rome 24 years ago

 

Today we celebrate the anniversary of the canonisation of our founder Saint Benedict Menni.
 
On a day like today, 24 years ago, on 21st of November of 1999, Pope John Paul II proclaimed him a Saint in the Vatican City. On this important day, we remember and recognise the life and work of our founder. He, from a deep love for God and a committed and supportive faith, directed all his gifts and talents to help others, founding our congregation which throughout its history has helped thousands of people.
 
Saint Benedict Menni is a reference point of help to others and his figure inspires us in our daily work. All the members of the hospitaller family honour his figure with our effort to continue his legacy of faith and work.

Today we remember him with special affection and ask him to intercede for the entire Hospitaller Family and to continue to accompany us in our Mission.

St Benito Menni's Day 2022 - Our Founder's Feast

"Let us ask the Blessed Virgin to grant us all the miracle of becoming saints".

St. Benedict Menni (1841-1914)

St. Benedict Menni

Benedict Menni entered the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God in 1860. Subsequently, he changed his baptismal name Angel Hercules to Benedict.

He studied philosophy and theology, first in the Seminary of Lodi and then in the Roman College (Gregorian Pontifical University of Rome). He became priest in 1866 and, after that, Pope Pius IX entrusted him with the complex mission of restoring the extinct Hospitaller Order in Spain. Once the Order was restored in Spain, there followed similar restorations in Portugal at the end of the 19th century and in Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century.

Benedict Menni was a man of inexhaustible charity with exceptional leadership skills. Above all, during his life he created 22 large centres, including homes for people in need, and general and psychiatric hospitals. His remains are in the Mother House in Ciempozuelos, Spain.

St Benito Menni’s biography (Video)