Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Instruments of Healing
Blessed José Olallo Valdés
Religious († 1889) Feast: March 7
José was found abandoned on the streets of Havana, Cuba, when he was an infant. He spent his childhood in an orphanage, and perhaps that’s where he learned about the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God and their ministry to the sick.
He was fourteen years old when he decided to become a religious brother in that order. He was so devoted to caring for the sick that during his fifty-four years of serving in the hospital of Camagüey, he was only absent from his nursing duties on one night, and even then, it was for reasons beyond his control. By the year 1856, he had been named prior of his community. When Cuba began its fight for independence from Spain in 1868, Brother José cared for the injured on both sides of the conflict and was able to prevent a massacre of civilians on one occasion. When religious orders were suppressed by Spain, José continued to care for the sick, even when he was the last member of his order left in Cuba.
Before and after his death, people often called him “Father José.” They knew the difference between a priest and a brother, of course. But no other word could adequately describe the way Blessed José showed loving concern for those who were suffering.
Merciful Father, help us show your mercy
and kindness to those who are abandoned.
