Carmen Hernández facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Servant of GodCarmen Hernández |
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Carmen Hernandez in the vocational meeting of the World Youth Day in Madrid.
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| Catechist | |
| Born | 24 November 1930 Ólvega, Soria, Spain |
| Died | 19 July 2016 (aged 85) Madrid, Spain |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Patronage | neocatechumenal Way |
María del Carmen Hernández Barrera (born November 24, 1930, in Ólvega, Spain – died July 19, 2016, in Madrid, Spain) was an important Spanish Catholic leader. She helped start a group called the Neocatechumenal Way.
Carmen was a catechist, which means she taught people about the Catholic faith. Many people believe she lived a very holy life. Because of this, the process to make her a saint has now begun.
Contents
About Carmen Hernández
Early Life and Education
Carmen Hernández was born in Ólvega, Spain, in 1930. When she was very young, her family moved to Tudela, Spain. She spent most of her childhood there. Later, when she was 15, her family moved to Madrid.
As a teenager, Carmen dreamed of becoming a missionary. Missionaries travel to different places to share their faith. She wanted to go to India, but her father did not allow it.
Carmen studied chemistry in Madrid and earned her degree by age 21. After finishing her studies, she joined the Missionaries of Christ Jesus. This helped her follow her dream of being a missionary. She also earned a degree in theology, which is the study of religious faith.
A Time of Learning and Service
In 1962, Carmen left the missionary order. She then spent two years in Israel. There, she learned more about the Bible and how to teach the Catholic faith. This time helped her understand her faith more deeply.
When she returned to Spain, Carmen was inspired by a saint named Charles de Foucauld. He dedicated his life to helping the poor. Carmen decided to do the same. She went to live in Palomeras Altas, a very poor area in Madrid. She wanted to help people who had very little.
Starting the Neocatechumenal Way
While working with the poor, Carmen met Kiko Argüello. Together, they started the Neocatechumenal Way in 1964. This group helps people learn about and live their Catholic faith. Carmen always said it was not just a "movement." She hoped it would help the entire Catholic Church become stronger.
Carmen continued to be a main leader of the Neocatechumenal Way throughout her life. She worked closely with Kiko Argüello and another priest, Mario Pezzi.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2015, Carmen Hernández and Kiko Argüello received special honors. The Catholic University of America gave them honorary degrees in theology. This was to recognize their hard work for the poor and the Church. The university especially praised Carmen's deep knowledge of the Bible and Church history. They said her knowledge was very important for the success of the Neocatechumenal Way.
Carmen Hernández passed away on July 19, 2016, in Madrid. She was 85 years old. After she died, Pope Francis thanked her for her strong faith. He encouraged members of the Neocatechumenal Way to continue her important work.
People described Carmen as brave, determined, and direct. On July 19, 2021, five years after her death, members of the Neocatechumenal Way asked for her to be considered for sainthood.
See also
In Spanish: Carmen Hernández para niños
