Oblates of Christ Priest: their founders

José María García Lahiguera

-a life in the service of the priests-

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Don José María was born in Fítero (Spain) on 9 March 1903 and received baptism in the same place, only three days after his birth. Always faithful to the action of the Holy Spirit, he became priest and left mark of his virtue in the Seminary of Madrid. He was ordained to the priesthood on 29 May 1926. His priestly zeal was immediately patent and he was call to be spiritual director of seminarians.

He was completely devoted to his Ministry and this marked his own special charisma: the sanctification of the priests.

During the Civil War, in 1938, he founded together with MªCarment Hidalgo de Caviedes y Gómez, a contemplative female congregation whose souls offer their lives for the sanctification of the priests and the Church.

Appointed as Servant of God Bishop in Madrid (29 October 1950), he kept his ideal of sanctification of priests in his predication, advise and spiritual direction within his diocese and beyond. Vicar and visitor of nuns, he instilled spirit and paternally guided the Communities.

In 1964 he was appointed Bishop in Huelva and bent his tireless spirit over backwards for his seminary and seminarians.

Afterwards, he was appointed Archbishop in Valencia (1969) and such was his total offering that he carried the cross of his illness in the most intense silence. His disease did not diminish his apostolic zeal or his full donation; he even achieved heroism in many occasions.

When he was 75 years old he retired himself to the Mother-House of the Congregation of his daughters, the Oblate Sisters of Christ Priest. He filled his days with prayer and oblation for his dear priests and the Church, wearing amorously down while continuing as adviser, father and live example of priestly holiness.

His spirit has filled numerous souls with love to priesthood. And his example of priestly sanctification is a wealth of the Church and a treasury of grace, especially for those called to the holy ministry.

He passed away renown with saintliness on 14 July 1989. His body lies in the oratory of the Mother-House of the Oblate Sisters of Christ Priest.