José Gálvez Ginachero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Servant of GodJosé Gálvez Ginachero |
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Gálvez Ginachero (left)
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| Born | 29 September 1866 Málaga, Spain |
| Died | 29 April 1952 (aged 85) Málaga, Spain |
José Gálvez Ginachero (born September 29, 1866 – died April 29, 1952) was a Spanish doctor who was also a Roman Catholic. He studied medicine in Granada and Madrid, getting great results. He then traveled to Berlin and Paris to learn even more.
When he returned to his hometown of Málaga, Spain, he used new ideas from Europe to keep hospitals cleaner. This helped reduce patient deaths. He was a respected doctor known for helping poor people and being very careful in his medical work. Because of his important contributions, he was praised by the king and queen of Spain. Some people even called him "San José" (Saint Joseph) during his lifetime. A special process began in the 2000s to recognize him as a saint, and he is now called a Servant of God.
Contents
Life Story of a Caring Doctor
José Gálvez Ginachero was born in Málaga, Spain, on September 29, 1866. His parents were José de Gálvez Andujar and Carmen Ginachero Vulpius.
His Education and Early Career
José finished his first studies and high school, getting his diploma in 1882. He then went to the University of Granada to study medicine, graduating in 1888. After that, he moved to Madrid to get his advanced medical degree from Complutense University of Madrid. He earned his PhD with high honors.
From 1890 to 1892, he studied more in Berlin and Paris to become an even better doctor. He learned from famous doctors like Louis Hubert Farabeuf. When he came back to Málaga, he started helping people who were poor and couldn't afford medical care. In 1893, he joined the Provincial Civil Hospital in Málaga and worked there until 1951.
Family Life and Hospital Work
In 1904, José married María Moll Sampelayo, and they had three children:
- María del Carmen
- Josefina
- José (who also became a doctor)
Gálvez Ginachero was very careful and hardworking in his medical duties. He was known for being kind and having a good sense of humor. He would wake up early, attend Mass, and then start his work. Sometimes, he even slept at the hospital to care for very sick patients. A small room with a bunk bed was set up for him there.
He brought new techniques to the hospital, especially for keeping things clean. This helped prevent patients from getting sick after operations. Before he operated, he would make the sign of the Cross on the area, asking God for help. In 1923, he became the director of the Provincial Civil Hospital. He made big improvements, like getting better food and medical supplies. He was director until 1927. In 1924, he also helped start the Santa Cristina Hospital with Queen Maria Cristina.
Important Medical Achievements
On July 17, 1898, he became one of the first surgeons to deliver a baby after the mother had passed away. A woman named María González Gálvez was admitted to the hospital and died, but Dr. Gálvez performed a C-section to save her baby girl. The baby was named María del Carmen Enriquetta. The Bishop of Málaga baptized her, and Dr. Gálvez was her godparent.
Public Service and Challenges
In 1923, he was asked to become the mayor of Málaga. After thinking about it, he accepted the job and served until 1926, when he decided to go back to being a full-time doctor. As mayor, he worked on big projects to improve sanitation and fix the sewer system to make the city cleaner.
During his life, he faced some difficult times. In 1932, he was arrested because some people thought he was plotting against the government. He was released a few days later, partly because two people with leprosy went to the governor and demanded his release. During the Spanish Civil War, he was arrested again but was set free after answering questions in court. He also helped organize a Catholic group called Catholic Action in Málaga, inspired by Pope Pius XI.
In 1947, he received a high honor called the Great Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X. Later in life, he left his inheritance to his widowed sister.
His Final Days
José Gálvez Ginachero became ill with cancer. On April 29, 1952, the Bishop of Málaga, Ángel Herrera Oria, visited him. Dr. Gálvez Ginachero passed away shortly after the bishop left. Bishop Herrera Oria led his funeral.
Becoming a Saint
The process to recognize José Gálvez Ginachero as a saint began in the Málaga diocese on July 13, 2006. It finished on June 16, 2017. On December 19, 2007, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints officially approved the start of the process, giving him the title of Servant of God.
The person currently in charge of this process is Fr. Francisco García Mota.
See also
In Spanish: José Gálvez Ginachero para niños
