Lliberada Ferrarons i Vives

In May 1829, Lliberada's health deteriorated, and in January 1830, she was forced to become permanently bedridden. She spent the last thirteen years of her life confined to her bed in absolute poverty, bearing her sufferings with patience. She joined the Carmelite Third Order as a layperson. During her illness, she received visits from many inhabitants of Olot and from her spiritual director, the priest Joaquim Masmitjà i de Puig. She was granted exceptional mystical graces, describing with precision events taking place in Madrid or Rome. She passed away on June 21, 1842.

Lliberada's reputation for holiness was established during her lifetime. Father Joaquim Masmitjà wrote an account of her life which was transmitted to Pope Gregory XVI. In 1898, Father Esteve Ferrer publicly referred to her as a "Servant of God." In 1942, the informative process for beatification was opened in Olot. On June 19, 1966, her mortal remains were solemnly transferred to the parish church of Sant Esteve in Olot. The diocesan inquiry was closed in 1972 and transmitted to Rome.

The Roman process progressed with the publication of the Positio in 1994. On January 17, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Lliberada Ferrarons i Vives, thus conferring upon her the title of Venerable. The official recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession is required for her beatification.

Lliberada's spirituality is marked by the spirit of Carmel, summarized by her motto: "Eyes on work and heart to God" (Els ulls a la feina i el cor a Déu). Her testimony inspired her spiritual director, Father Joaquim Masmitjà, to found the congregation of the Missionaries of the Heart of Mary on July 1, 1848, for the education of poor young girls and female workers. Proclaimed an "Illustrious Daughter" of Olot in 1942, she is the only woman represented in the gallery of illustrious figures at the town hall.