Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “It is a cause for great joy among the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, this discovery of another example of holiness right here among our own, a confirmation of the importance of the spiritual path that is formed by living the Hospitaller Order's charism of service towards the sick and needy that inspires our mission, in a profound manner.” With these words, Fray Donatus Forkan, Prior General of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God (with now nearly 300 sites on the 5 continents), announced the beatification of the Cuban Fray Jose Olallo Valdes (1820-1889), which will take place on Saturday, November 29 in the city of Camagüey, where the religious carried out his mission for 54 years.
The testimony of this tireless man who spent day and night working in a Hospital, performing even the humblest tasks, is offered in an important historical period, in which a series of government decrees called for the suppression of many religious communities, prohibiting the admission of novices, and forbidding the use of the habit. In spite of the war taking place for Cuban independence, and in spite of the many difficulties he had to face, Fr. Olallo was always faithful to his vocation and his work.
He was 69 years old when he died. There were nearly 2,000 people at his funeral. With the death of Fr. Olallo, there were no longer Hospitaller Brothers in Cuba; they returned in 1942. His cause for beatification began in 1989, on the 100th anniversary of his death. His memory has remained alive to this day among the people there. His greatest testimony was that of believing in his mission, in spite of the trials and difficulties, always faithful to our Founder: “Treat one another well, Brothers, for love of God.” “And this is the invitation that we are made even today, in our dedication to those who suffer,” the Prior General concluded, “convinced that once more, the road indicated by Saint John of God can always be a path to holiness.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2008)
