Bernardo de Hoyos
A Spanish Jesuit priest (1711-1735), Bernardo de Hoyos was the first great apostle of the devotion to the Sacred Heart in Spain, famous for having received the 'Great Promise' from Christ.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Born in 1711 in Torrelobatón, pious childhood, studies with the Jesuits and entry into the novitiate of Villagarcía de Campos in 1726.
Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos y de Seña was born on August 21, 1711, in Torrelobatón, near Valladolid, Spain. The son of Don Manuel de Hoyos and Doña Francisca de Seña, he was baptized on September 6, 1711, under the name Bernardo Francisco Javier. He received confirmation on May 23, 1720, at the hands of Bishop Francisco de Ochoa. Brilliant and pious, he studied in Medina del Campo and then in Villagarcía de Campos. Despite his fragile health, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus on July 11, 1726, and pronounced his simple vows on July 12, 1728.
Life and Work
Studies in philosophy and theology, mystical revelations of the Sacred Heart in 1733, publication of the 'Hidden Treasure' and priestly ordination before his early death in 1735.
After his novitiate, Bernardo studied philosophy at Medina del Campo from 1728 to 1731, passing through the trial of the 'dark night'. In 1731, he began theology in Valladolid, where his mystical life flourished under the direction of Father Juan de Loyola. In May 1733, he received the mission to propagate devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Spain, receiving the 'Great Promise' on May 14, 1733. He consecrated himself to the Sacred Heart on June 12, 1733, collaborated on the publication of the book 'El Tesoro escondido' in 1734, and wrote to King Philip V. Ordained a priest on January 2, 1735, at the age of 23, he died of typhus on November 29, 1735, in Valladolid.
Path to Sainthood
Delayed by the expulsion and suppression of the Jesuits, his cause was revived at the end of the 19th century and led to the recognition of his heroic virtues in 1996.
The reputation of holiness of Bernardo de Hoyos spread rapidly, but the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767 and the temporary suppression of the Society in 1773 delayed his cause. The diocesan informative process finally opened in Valladolid in 1895 and concluded in 1899. After the examination was revived by the Historical Section of the Congregation of Rites, the Positio was approved in 1961. On January 12, 1996, Pope John Paul II declared him Venerable, recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues.
Beatification and canonization
Beatification celebrated on April 18, 2010, in Valladolid by Cardinal Angelo Amato, following the recognition of a miracle involving a recovery from typhus in 1936.
The miracle accepted for his beatification is the unexplained recovery of Mercedes Cabezas Terrero on April 22, 1936, in San Cristóbal de la Cuesta, while she was suffering from severe typhus and an abdominal tumor. Following medical and theological approval, Pope Benedict XVI signed the decree recognizing the miracle on January 17, 2009. The beatification ceremony was celebrated on April 18, 2010, in Valladolid, presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
Spirituality and legacy
The first great apostle of the Sacred Heart in Spain, his spiritual legacy inspired the consecration of the country and the creation of a national sanctuary in Valladolid.
The spirituality of Bernardo de Hoyos extends the revelations of Paray-le-Monial received by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. As the first and greatest apostle of the Sacred Heart in Spain, he centered his life on the merciful love of Christ, reparation, and trust. His legacy inspired the consecration of Spain to the Sacred Heart at the Cerro de los Ángeles in 1919, as well as the construction of the National Sanctuary of the Great Promise in Valladolid.
Frequently asked questions about Bernardo de Hoyos
Who was Bernardo de Hoyos?
A Spanish Jesuit priest (1711-1735), Bernardo de Hoyos was the first great apostle of the devotion to the Sacred Heart in Spain, famous for having received the 'Great Promise' from Christ.
Which saints were contemporaries of Bernardo de Hoyos?
Contemporaries include: Venerable Agnes of Jesus, Blessed Mary Anne of Jesus, Saint Alphonsus Liguori and Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus.
When did Bernardo de Hoyos die?
Bernardo de Hoyos died around 1735.
What are the other names of Bernardo de Hoyos?
Other forms of the name: Bernardo Francisco Javier de Hoyos y de Seña and Bernardo Francisco.
Who are the relatives of Bernardo de Hoyos?
Relatives of Bernardo de Hoyos: Don Manuel de Hoyos (father) and Doña Francisca de Seña (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1735
- Beatification in 2010 by Benedict XVI