Saint Joseph Oriol
Barcelona priest known as the “Thaumaturgus of Barcelona”
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Priest
- Life
- 1650 – 1702
- Era
- 18th century
- Feast
- 23 March
- Countries
- Spain
Life story
Joseph (Josep) Oriol was born on 23 November 1650 in Barcelona, Spain. He studied at the University of Barcelona and earned a doctorate in theology on 1 August 1674. He was ordained a priest on 30 May 1676.
In 1686 he went to Rome, where he was granted a benefice at the church of Nuestra Señora del Pino (Santa Maria del Pi) in Barcelona, which he served until his death. The sources describe a life marked by penance, humility and prudence in guiding souls.
Eager for martyrdom, he went to Rome again in April 1698 to offer himself for the foreign missions. He fell ill at Marseille and returned to Barcelona, after which he devoted himself to local pastoral work.
The devotional sources say he was believed to have prophetic and miraculous gifts, and that the sick he visited were reported to be cured; for this reason he is called the “Thaumaturgus of Barcelona.” These are reports, not independently verifiable findings. He died in Barcelona on 23 March 1702 and was buried in Santa Maria del Pi. Pius VII beatified him on 5 September 1806, and Pius X canonised him on 20 May 1909. His feast day is 23 March.
Works and witness
- Earned a doctorate in theology on 1 August 1674 and was ordained on 30 May 1676
- Received a benefice at Santa Maria del Pi in Barcelona after visiting Rome in 1686
- Tried to go on mission in 1698 but fell ill at Marseille and returned
- Reported to have healed many of the sick
- Beatified in 1806 and canonised on 20 May 1909
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia, “Saint Joseph Oriol”, newadvent.org/cathen/11316a.htm
- CatholicSaints.Info, “Saint Joseph Oriol”, catholicsaints.info/saint-joseph-oriol/
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.