Esperança González i Puig

On September 19, 1851, Esperança experienced a mystical event in which she felt called to found a congregation for the rehabilitation of marginalized women. Despite the reservations of Bishop Mgr. Pere Cirilo Uriz, she persevered. On May 21, 1862, she moved into a community with three companions. On June 19, 1862, the congregation of the Missionary Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was officially born. The institute received diocesan approval in 1863 and royal approval in 1865. She subsequently founded other houses in Figueres, Jaca, and Mahón, before dying of cholera on August 5, 1885, while dedicating herself to the sick.

After her death in the odor of sanctity, the Diocese of Lleida opened her process of beatification and canonization. The diocesan inquiry took place from 1991 to 1993. On November 18, 1994, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints legally validated the diocesan process, paving the way for the drafting of the Positio on her heroic virtues.

On April 28, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of Esperança González i Puig, thus proclaiming her Venerable. The official recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession remains required for her beatification.

Esperança's spirituality is centered on the Passion of Christ and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, influenced by Saint Anthony Mary Claret. Her legacy continues today through her congregation present in Spain, Latin America, and Asia, guided by her motto: "Me gusta que estéis contentos".