OUR FOUNDER
JOAQUIN MASMITJA
DE PUIG
HIS EARLY YEARS
Joaquin Masmitja was born in the small town of Olot, Spain on December 29th, 1808. He was the fourth child of Francisco and Maria Masmitja, simple and fervent people who lived their faith in their daily lives. Joaquin’s early years were peaceful and happy in spite of the fact that in Spain there was great political turmoil and religious unrest. His later piety and goodness came from the strong foundation given him by his good parents and his happy home life.
He entered the minor seminary of the Diocese of Gerona in Olot. In 1825 he attended the University of Cervera where his brother and father had studied. On March 22, 1833 Joaquin received Minor Orders and in May was made Subdeacon. On June 19th, 1834 he earned his Doctorate in Canon Law and in September was ordained Deacon.
On February 22, 1835 he was ordained a priest. He had earned a Doctorate in Canon Law and in September was ordained Deacon.
After his ordination he was recognized as an excellent confessor and spiritual director. Over the years he was made Pastor in various parts of Gerona.
THE FOUNDATION
Joaquin was greatly devoted to the Blessed Virgin under the titles, of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sorrowful Mother. He also was concerned with the social problems of his time, particularly the abuse of the illiterate by the new Industrial Revolution and the lack of religious education and prayer life, the result of the political religious upheaval in Spain.
Because of his zeal, dedication, and interest in all whom he served, throughout his life he was held in esteem as a model priest though he never saw his own Virtue as he was simple, humble man whose primary goals in life were to serve others, bring them lovingly to a knowledge and service of God, and to serve God himself as best he could.
Joaquin Masmitja passed away, at the
age of 78, on August 26th, 1886.
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
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