St. Joseph Oriol was a 17th century Spanish Roman Catholic priest renowned for his prophetic and miraculous healing powers. He was born poor and the youngest of eight siblings on 23 November 1650.
The untimely death of his father at a young age shaped his formidable character and love for God. He served as an altar boy eventually obtaining his doctorate in Theology from the University of Barcelona on the 1 August 1674. He was ordained on 30 May 1676 and adhered strictly to his priestly life with great humility and in true spirit of penance and prudence, directing the souls of his parishioners at the Santa Maria del Piño where he was granted benefice (the right given permanently by the Church to a cleric to receive ecclesiastical revenues on account of the performance of some spiritual service) by Pope Innocent XI for life.
He was locally known as the Apostle of Barcelona and lived largely on bread and water for 26 years. He believed God was calling him to fast “eternally.” His strong desire for martyrdom led him on a pilgrimage to Rome to work with foreign missions. However, he fell ill along the way and at Marseilles, was forced to return to Barcelona. Back in his hometown, he continued his outstanding practice of poverty and continuous prayer living always closely in union with God and in heavenly joy as he faithfully ministered to the sick and the poorest of the poor.
St. Joseph Oriol died on 23 March 1702. He was beatified on the 5 September 1806 by Pope Pius VII and was later canonised by Pope Pius X on the 20 May 1909. He is the object of particular devotion in Barcelona at the Church of Santa Maria del Pi where his remains are interred. His feast day, on March 23, is celebrated at the Basilica of St. Joseph Oriol in Barcelona, Catalonia.
Reflection:
St. Joseph Oriol led a life full of vicissitudes and throughout he demonstrated kindness, compassion, hard work and responsibility, inspiring us to keep striving to do our best to abide in God’s will. In reflecting on his life story, we are able to see the world as a place of continued spiritual growth and that God is up to something greater than we had imagined or thought possible.
When we feel as though we are too small or weak to accomplish anything, we have to stop focusing on our own shortcomings and instead turn our gaze to our heavenly Father like St. Joseph Oriol. His grace will be revealed in our lives strengthening us in new ways and more powerfully than before.
Let us continue to pray to St. Joseph Oriol for compassion and care for those in need and for world healing.
Vicky Crawford
Year of St, Joseph Preparation Committee
St. Joseph’s Church, Garden Road
