Manuel Herranz Estables

The major work of Manuel Herranz Estables is the foundation of the Congregation of the Servants of the Virgin of Sorrows (Esclavas de la Virgen Dolorosa). The origin of this foundation dates back to the period immediately preceding the Spanish Civil War. In 1935, an Adorer nun, María Serréguez y Gallego (known as Madre Desamparados), had initiated a reception center in Madrid for single mothers in distress. However, on November 23, 1936, at the beginning of the conflict, she was executed by firing squad by militiamen along with three of her companions and four young girls who were being sheltered. After the end of the Civil War in 1939, Father Manuel Herranz felt the inner call to revive and perpetuate this work of charity. He obtained authorization from his bishop, Msgr. Leopoldo Eijo y Garay. To structure this initiative, he sought the help of the Adorer nuns, who sent him Mother Esperanza Cornago Francés (1911-1973). Together, they laid the foundations for a new religious congregation. The community officially began its activities on July 1, 1944. The Congregation of the Servants of the Virgin of Sorrows obtained pontifical approval on September 8, 1956, followed by the decree of canonical erection on January 13, 1957. In 1961, Father Manuel decided to broaden the scope of the congregation by opening its doors to the reception and accompaniment of women suffering from mental disabilities (minusválidas psíquicas). Later, the nuns also took charge of elderly and vulnerable women.

Father Manuel Herranz Estables lived the Christian and priestly virtues to a heroic degree. His life was a constant testimony of humility, evangelical poverty, and pastoral charity. During the last four years of his existence, he was tried by a painful illness which he bore with edifying patience and total submission to the will of God.

He passed away holily on June 29, 1968, in Madrid. In 1970, his mortal remains were transferred to the chapel of the congregation's motherhouse in Madrid, where they still rest.

The reputation for holiness of Manuel Herranz Estables spread rapidly after his death. His canonization process was opened in the Archdiocese of Madrid.

* Nihil obstat: The process received the nihil obstat from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1987. * Introduction of the cause: The cause for beatification was officially introduced on January 26, 1988. * Decree of venerability: On December 17, 2013, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thus conferring upon him the title of Venerable. His beatification is now pending the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession.

The spirituality of Manuel Herranz Estables is deeply Eucharistic, Marian, and Christocentric. He drew his strength from the contemplation of the sorrows of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross, finding there the model of active compassion toward human suffering. He recorded his spiritual reflections in several writings, notably: * Flores del huerto de Santa Teresa (Flowers of the Garden of Saint Teresa), published in Madrid in 1942. * Semillas de vida: pensamientos espirituales (Seeds of Life: Spiritual Thoughts), published posthumously in 1971.

Today, his legacy continues through the Congregation of the Servants of the Virgin of Sorrows (Esclavas de la Virgen Dolorosa), which manages several residences and reception centers in Spain and Mexico. These establishments continue to support pregnant women or mothers in vulnerable situations, women with intellectual disabilities, and the elderly. The "Residencia Manuel Herranz" in Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid) bears witness to the endurance of his work of charity.