Continuing his series on Aposotlic Zeal through the lens of passionate witnesses, Pope Francis dedicated his September 13, 2023, audience to the laymen, Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros.
José Gregorio was born in 1864 in Isnotú, a small village in the Venezuelan Andes. He dedicated his life to serve others, and is often referred to as “doctor of the poor” and “apostle of peace”.
Similar to other witnesses discussed by Pope Francis, Blessed José Gregorio primarily learned the Faith from his mother. He said, “My mother taught me virtue from the time I was in a crib, made me grow in the knowledge of God, and gave me charity as my guide.”
At the age of 13, José Gregorio expressed an interest in law, but his mother convinced him to pursue medicine instead.
So, after finishing his high school education, Hernández went to Universidad Central de Venezuela to begin his medical studies. He was a brilliant student, and was selected by the government to receive a grant to study under experts in Europe in the subjects of histology, bacteriology, and pathology.
After completing these studies, he returned to teach at his alma mater in Venezuela in 1891 and began to practice medicine. He worked to secure medical equipment and literature and is credited with introducing the microscope to the country. In addition, he authored numerous scientific and medical research works.
“He became a physician, a university professor, and a scientist. But he was first and foremost a doctor close to the weakest”, said Pope Francis. The Holy Father went on to say, “To the riches of money he preferred the riches of the Gospel, spending his existence to aid the needy.”
José Gregorio’s enthusiasm and zeal came from a strength derived from a deep intimacy with God and a certainty flowing from God’s grace. José Gregorio wrote that “if there are good and bad people in the world, the bad are such because they themselves have become bad: But the good are such with God’s help” (May 27, 1914).
A man of charity
Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros was known to be a good and joyful person with a cheerful disposition; he was helpful, humble, and kind. “At the same time he was driven by an inner fire, a desire to live in the service of God and neighbor,” said Pope Francis.
José Gregorio possessed incredible intelligence, which can be seen in his academic accomplishments and contributions to medicine in Venezuela. He saw Jesus in those he encountered: The poor, the migrants, the suffering, and the sick. In his homeland, he is known to the people as “saint of the people,” “apostle of charity,” and “missionary of hope”. Pope Francis summarized this by stating that “charity was the North Star that oriented the existence of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros”.
Following God’s will
José Gregorio attempted to enter the priesthood multiple times, but had to withdraw from the seminary due to various health problems. Nevertheless, his physical frailty did not cause him to give in and despair “but rather to become a doctor who was even more sensitive to the needs of others”.
Blessed José Gregorio had an innate understanding that by caring for the sick, he was putting God’s will into practice.
Pope Francis explained that José Gregorio came to accept medicine as a priesthood; the doctor was called by God to comfort the suffering, offer hope to the poor, and witness by his example.
Pope Francis stated, “This is apostolic zeal: It does not follow one’s own aspirations, but openness to God’s designs.”
During World War I, José Gregorio felt called to pray for and offer his life for peace.
On the morning of June 29, 1919, José Gregorio met a friend who asked why he looked so happy. He replied, “How can I not be happy, the Peace Treaty has been signed! The peace of the world!”
The Holy Father said that “it was as if he foresaw that his work on Earth was done.”
That day, on an errand taking medicine to a sick, elderly woman, José Gregorio was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road. He was promptly taken to the hospital, where he passed away saying Our Lady’s name.
Pope Francis remarked, “This is how his earthly journey ended, on a road while performing a work of mercy, and in a hospital, where he had made his work a masterpiece, as a doctor.”
Pope Francis ended his audience by challenging us to question how we react when we come face-to-face with those who suffer most and by asking how José Gregorio’s example affects us.
“He spurs us to engagement in the face of the great social, economic, and political issues of today,” said Pope Francis. The Holy Father said that we must not just complain and criticize, but rather that Christians are called “to promote good, and to build peace and justice in truth”, connecting this to the Christian beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mt 5:9).
May we all seek to perform works of charity with hearts filled with God’s love, and live our lives for peace.