Mariano José de Ibargüengoitia Zuloaga

The major work of Mariano José de Ibargüengoitia was his decisive collaboration, starting in 1871, with Saint Maria Josefa of the Heart of Jesus (María Josefa Sancho de Guerra) to found the congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Charity. As co-founder and spiritual director, he accompanied the development of this institute dedicated to the care of the sick and the marginalized, while ensuring the autonomy and dignity of the religious sisters were respected. At the same time, he carried out immense social and pastoral activity in Bilbao. He promoted the establishment of several religious communities, notably the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge in 1857 to support women in difficulty, the Daughters of the Cross in 1859, the Carmelites of Charity, and the Passionist Fathers. He also founded the 'Refugio de Begoña,' a reception and reintegration center for marginalized women, demonstrating a social sensitivity far ahead of his time.

Mariano José de Ibargüengoitia distinguished himself through an intense spiritual life, characterized by discretion, prayer, and tireless pastoral zeal. A man of few words but great precision, he was a highly sought-after spiritual director. In 1858, he published a reference work in two volumes titled "Ejercicios Espirituales para Sacerdotes" (Spiritual Exercises for Priests), based on the method of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This writing received praise from Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who recommended it for all clerical libraries. He also wrote a practical guide for the acquisition of virtues through the particular examen. Appointed apostolic missionary by Pope Pius IX in 1862, he traveled throughout the diocese of Vitoria to preach popular missions and give retreats, propagating a spirituality centered on the conversion of hearts and the love of Christ.

The reputation for holiness of Mariano José de Ibargüengoitia, already vivid during his lifetime, has endured long after his death. The diocesan process for his beatification was officially opened on September 27, 2003, in the Cathedral of Bilbao, sparking great fervor among the local faithful. After a meticulous examination of his writings and virtues by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis authorized, on July 10, 2020, the promulgation of the decree recognizing his heroic virtues, thereby declaring him venerable. This crucial step paves the way for a future beatification, which requires the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession. His liturgical feast is set for January 31, the anniversary of his passing to God.

Today, the posterity of Mariano José de Ibargüengoitia remains intimately linked to the vitality of the congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Charity, present in many countries throughout the world to serve the sick, the elderly, and children. His innovative pastoral approach, which integrated the promotion of female dignity and concrete social action, remains an inspiring model for the contemporary diocesan clergy. In Bilbao, his memory is honored as that of one of the most influential priests of the 19th century, having deeply marked the religious, cultural, and charitable landscape of the city. His spiritual writings continue to inspire those who seek to combine a life of rigorous prayer with an active commitment to the most destitute.