Inés de Benigánim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedInés de Benigánim O.A.D. |
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18th-century image.
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| Born | 9 February 1625 Benigánim, Valencia, Spain |
| Died | 21 January 1696 (aged 70) Benigánim, Valencia, Habsburg Spain |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 26 February 1888, Saint Peter's Basilica, Kingdom of Italy by Pope Leo XIII |
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| Attributes | Religious habit of a Discalced Augustinian nun |
Inés de Benigánim (born Josefa María Albiñana Gomar) was a Spanish Catholic nun. She lived from 1625 to 1696. She was part of the Discalced Augustinians, a group of nuns who lived a very simple and strict life.
Inés was known for her deep spiritual wisdom. She also practiced very strict ways of living, called "austerities," throughout her life. She was later declared "Blessed" by the Catholic Church in 1888.
Life Story
Josefa María Albiñana Gomar was born in Spain in 1625. Her parents, Lluís Albiñana and Vicenta Gomar, were not rich. Her father died when she was still a young child. After her father's death, her uncle, Bartomeu Tudela, who was the town mayor, helped her family.
As a child, Josefa María suffered from epilepsy, a condition that affects the brain. She received the sacrament of confirmation when she was eight years old.
When she was about 13 or 14, she had an important experience. While washing clothes by the river, she felt that Jesus Christ called her to join a religious order. This meant she would dedicate her life to God.
She joined the Discalced Augustinian convent in her hometown on October 25, 1643. When she officially became a nun on June 26, 1644, she took the religious name "Josefa María of Saint Agnes." She made her final promises as a nun on August 27, 1645.
In the convent, she began to live a very strict life. She became known for her special spiritual gifts. Many people came to her for advice and wisdom about their faith. Even though she had little formal schooling and could not read Latin, she had a great understanding of religious topics.
Josefa María of Saint Agnes died in 1696. This was on the feast day of Saint Agnes. Her body remains well-preserved, which is called "incorrupt." During the Spanish Civil War, her tomb was damaged, but it was later fixed.
Becoming Blessed
The process to declare Inés de Benigánim "Blessed" began in 1729. This involved collecting her writings and talking to people who knew her. Church leaders checked her writings to make sure they followed Catholic teachings.
On September 16, 1769, Pope Clement XIV officially started the process. She was then called a "Servant of God." This is the first step towards becoming a saint. Later, on August 19, 1838, Pope Gregory XVI recognized her "heroic virtue." This meant she lived a life of great goodness and faith. She was then called "Venerable."
For someone to be declared "Blessed," the Church usually needs proof of miracles. Two investigations were held to look into two miracles linked to her. After careful study, these miracles were approved by Church officials.
Finally, Pope Leo XIII approved the two miracles on February 21, 1886. He then officially declared her "Blessed" on February 26, 1888. This special ceremony took place in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.
See also
In Spanish: Inés de Benigánim para niños
