He Catholic Santoral Remember today, August 12, San Innocent XI, Pope of the Catholic Church in the seventeenth century, and Santa Juana Francesca de Chantal, founder of the Order of the Visitation of Santa María. Two figures that, from very different realities, dedicated their lives to the service of God, to the defense of faith and in the care of the most needy.
San Innocent XI stood out for his doctrinal firmness and his commitment to social justice, while Santa Juana Francesca left a legacy of charity, humility and delivery through the congregation he founded. Their lives, separated by different contexts, share the same conductive thread: the deep faith and the desire to transform the world from love to others.
San Innocent
San Innocent XI, born in 1611 in how (Italy) under the name of Benedetto Odescalchi, grew in a noble family and received a solid humanistic and theological formation. From a young age, he showed a deep religious vocation and a strong sense of justice, which led him to occupy various ecclesiastical positions before being elected Pope.
During his pontificate, he faced important political and religious challenges. He was a firm opponent of Louis XIV’s policies in France when they threatened against the authority of the Church, and worked tirelessly to maintain the independence of spiritual power against the pressures of governments. In addition, he promoted the moral reform of the clergy and ecclesiastical administration, insisting on transparency and good use of church assets.
His concern about the most disadvantaged was constant. He implemented measures to help the impoverished populations of Rome and encouraged the aid to the victims of wars and diseases. His legacy is remembered as that of a pontiff who combined doctrinal firmness with a deep social sensitivity, becoming an example of moral leadership for the Church.
Santa Juana
Santa Juana Francesca de Chantal was born in 1572 in Dijon (France) within a noble family. From a young age he stood out for his pious character and his delivery to prayer. After his marriage to the Baron de Chantal, he dedicated himself fully to his family and charity works. The premature death of her husband marked a turning point in her life, intensifying her consecration to God.
Guided spiritually by San Francisco de Sales, he founded in 1610 the order of the visitation of Santa María, a religious congregation focused on humility, charity and simplicity of life. His work quickly spread through France and other countries, offering a reception space for women who wanted to devote themselves to God, even those with fragile or advanced age, something unusual at the time.
Throughout his life, Santa Juana Francesca faced evidence and losses, but never abandoned his deep confidence in divine providence. Her spirit of service, her serenity in the face of adversity and her unconditional love to others made her a venerated figure, whose example continues to inspire generations of believers.
Why are the saints celebrated?
Onomastics is a way of recognizing and honoring their spiritual achievements and seeking their guidance and inspiration in our own lives. The saints are venerated as spiritual leaders or figures who have reached a high level of holiness and have lived their lives at the service of God or a specific religion.
Many saints have a special day dedicated to them, which celebrate the faithful around the world. To do this, different religious ceremonies are celebrated in each culture, reading their teachings or visiting sacred places associated with them.
