Relic of Venezuela's First Saint Enthroned in Tenerife

On October 19, Pope Leo XIV led the canonization ceremony for Saint José Gregorio Hernández, Venezuela's first saint, in St. Peter's Square. This event followed decades of widespread public devotion to Hernández, who was seen as a role model of faith, science, and service. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had approved his sainthood in February of this year.

Ten days later, a small piece of the saint is now housed in the main parish of Santiago Apóstol, in Los Realejos. It is a small bone fragment, known as an ex ossibus relic in the Catholic Church. This type of relic holds immense importance for believers, especially for the Venezuelan population. Hundreds of faithful gathered yesterday in the church of Realejo Bajo for the enthronement ceremony. During this event, the saint's remains were placed in a prominent spot within the church for veneration, symbolizing a spiritual connection between the churches of Venezuela and the Canary Islands.

The ceremony was led by Venezuelan Cardinal Diego Rafael Padrón Sánchez, with attendance from the Bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Monsignor Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago, and the parish priest of the host church, Angelo Nardone Barrios. The emotional ceremony ended with a joropo, a traditional Venezuelan folk dance, and the performance of that country's national anthem.

Each of the Canary Islands has a relic of Saint José Gregorio Hernández. The reasons why this northern municipality was chosen to house the saint's relic are unknown. Some suggest it's due to the parish's historical significance. It's one of Tenerife's oldest religious buildings, dating back to 1496. It was designated a National Historic-Artistic Monument by Royal Decree 598/1983 on February 2, and is also recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Monument category.

Another theory is that the parish priest, Angelo Nardone, is originally from Venezuela. However, the priest emphasizes that the reasons aren't what truly matters. He states, "The current message for Venezuelans is that 'he is a saint for everyone,' no matter which parish houses the relic. It belongs to the people and to all believers. And even when I move on, it will continue to belong to everyone."

The priest himself doesn't know the exact reasons either; he was simply informed that the church of Santiago Apóstol had been chosen. Since then, he has been preparing a suitable spot within the church. It will be located near the altarpiece of the Virgin of Los Remedios, on the left side as you enter.

The priest's devotion to the saint began in his youth. He recalls, "We grew up seeing his image. Even though he wasn't yet beatified, for us he always was, because our grandparents taught us to venerate him that way. We all recognize that small man in the hat, whose image was often found on altars or nightstands, and to whom people prayed for healing or strength in difficult times."

Saint José Gregorio Hernández is also known as 'the doctor of the poor' because he treated the poorest people for free and even bought them medicines if they couldn't afford them. He studied in Caracas, completed his training in Paris and Berlin, then returned to Venezuela. There, he introduced the microscope, pioneered new medical techniques, established the foundations of bacteriology, and through his research, significantly advanced modern medicine in his home country.

He died on June 29, 1919, after being hit by a car on a main street in Caracas. His remains are interred in the church of La Candelaria, where thousands of devotees visit daily to offer prayers. Unusually for saints, his birth on October 26 is celebrated, not his death, because his death anniversary coincides with those of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

"When people leave their home country, they carry with them the traditions and beliefs of their community. Venezuelans who have moved to the Canary Islands often bring an image of Saint José Gregorio González with them, which helps spread awareness of him here," explains the parish priest.

Many Venezuelans have emigrated to Tenerife. The priest believes, "Venezuelans are a people of deep faith. Even with the current political challenges, they continue to be very devout and active in religious life, which has always helped them stay strong during difficult times."

José Gregorio Hernández was born on October 26, 1864, in the small town of Isnotú, in the state of Trujillo, in west-central Venezuela. He graduated with excellent grades in Medicine from the Central University, and was also a distinguished teacher and researcher. He was known as 'the doctor of the poor' for the generosity with which he treated low-income patients and for his strong religious faith. He became a revered figure among believers in Venezuela and other parts of Latin America, who often pray to him for help in challenging circumstances. He was beatified in 2021 after Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to him. This involved a young girl, Yaxury Solórzano Ortega, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head during an assault. Doctors had given her little chance of survival, but her mother prayed to the saint, and an ecclesiastical commission later concluded that her recovery was a miracle.

At the end of the ceremony, attendees were allowed to kiss the relic, prayers were said for the freedom of the Venezuelan people, and doctors and medical professionals presented various offerings.