Saint José Gregorio Hernández - The Doctor of the Poor
Biography
Birth and Early Years
José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros was born on October 26, 1864, in Isnotú, Trujillo State, Venezuela. From childhood, he showed a deep inclination toward study and a special sensitivity to the suffering of others, qualities that would mark his entire life.
Academic Formation
He completed his medical studies at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, graduating with honors as Doctor of Medicine in 1888. His thirst for knowledge led him to Europe, where he completed specialized studies in bacteriology, normal and pathological histology, and experimental physiology at the prestigious universities of Paris and Berlin.
Scientific Contributions
Dr. Hernández was a pioneer in introducing modern scientific medicine to Venezuela. He founded the chairs of Normal and Pathological Histology, Experimental Physiology, and Bacteriology at the Central University of Venezuela. Venezuela owes him the introduction of the microscope and other important scientific advances that revolutionized medical practice in the country.
Spiritual Life
Above all, José Gregorio shone through the holiness of his life, being an example of a convinced Christian and faithful fulfiller of his duty. His spiritual life was founded on three pillars: daily Communion, one hour of daily prayer, and his frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. These practices gave him the strength to dedicate himself to charity with all his soul.
He was a fervent Franciscan Tertiary and professed a tender devotion to Our Lady of Mercy, Patroness of Caracas. On several occasions he attempted to follow religious life, joining the order of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (La Salle) in 1908, although he had to leave it due to health problems.
The Doctor of the Poor
He earned the title "Doctor of the Poor," a recognition he received from the Venezuelan people for his extraordinary charity. He not only visited needy patients free of charge, but he himself bought their medicines from his own pocket. His office was always open to the humblest, and he never turned away anyone who requested his help, regardless of the time of day or night.
His Death
On June 29, 1919, during one of these acts of charity, while walking through the streets of Caracas to attend to a patient, he was struck by one of the first automobiles circulating in the city. He died shortly after from his injuries, at the age of 54. God surprised him doing charity when He called him to His presence.
Recognition by the Church
Since his death, the Venezuelan people began to venerate him spontaneously, attributing numerous favors and miracles to him. The countless testimonies of graces received through his intercession moved to introduce his cause for beatification.
On January 16, 1986, Holy Father John Paul II publicly declared that Dr. José Gregorio Hernández had practiced Christian virtues to a heroic degree, granting him the title of Venerable. This was a fundamental step on his path to the altars.
Medical and Scientific Work
Dr. Hernández dedicated to his medical work
Dr. Hernández was a pioneer in introducing modern scientific medicine to Venezuela. He founded the Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, was the country's first bacteriology professor, and introduced the microscope to Venezuela for medical research, thus revolutionizing scientific practice in the health field.
As a teacher, he trained numerous generations of Venezuelan doctors, transmitting to them not only cutting-edge scientific knowledge but also his deep sense of the medical vocation as service to others.
Popular Devotion and Legacy
Since his death, the Venezuelan people began to venerate him spontaneously, attributing numerous miracles and favors to him. His tomb in the General Cemetery of the South in Caracas became a place of constant pilgrimage, where thousands of faithful come to ask for his intercession.
Venezuelans invoke him in their needs, especially in health matters, and keep his memory alive by placing his image in homes, medical offices, and hospitals. His figure transcends the religious to become a national symbol of service and dedication to others.
- Maxim that guided his life
Beatification and Canonization
On April 30, 2021, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree that recognized a miracle attributed to his intercession, opening the way for his beatification.
He was beatified on April 30, 2021 in Caracas, becoming the first Venezuelan blessed.
Beatification ceremony in Caracas, 2021
🎉 HISTORIC CANONIZATION! 🎉
On October 19, 2025, Blessed José Gregorio Hernández will be elevated to the altars and declared a SAINT by the Catholic Church.
This canonization represents a historic moment for Venezuela and all of Latin America, being the first Venezuelan saint officially recognized by the Church. His liturgical memorial is celebrated on October 26.
Virtues that Characterized Him
His Legacy Endures
Dr. José Gregorio Hernández is venerated throughout Venezuela and Latin America as a model of Christian doctor, committed scientist, and man of faith. His example of selfless service to those most in need continues to inspire new generations of health professionals.
Image Gallery
In his youth
His tomb in Caracas
Relics of the saint