February 26, 2024 / 12:01 AM
Every February 26, Blessed Piedad de la Cruz, Spanish nun, founder of the Salesian Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is remembered. She was born on November 12, 1842 in Bocairente, Valencia (Spain), and was baptized the next day with her mother’s name, Tomasa.
Tomasa Ortiz Real, the future Piedad, was formed humanly and spiritually at the Loreto College of the Religious of the Holy Family of Bordeaux, located in Valencia. There she stood out for her spirit of piety, prayer and dedication to poor children, the elderly and the sick.
That stage of her life would mark her deeply; It would be the beginning of a long spiritual and apostolic itinerary in the footsteps of the Lord. Many doors closed in her life, although others opened, not without difficulty. Tomasa went through long times of uncertainty, as well as bright and less ominous periods. In the end, the Lord, who always accompanied her with his grace, crowned her efforts.