Jornet e Ibars, Teresa, Bl.

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JORNET E IBARS, TERESA, BL.

Foundress of the little sisters of the poor and aged; b. Aytona (Lérida), Spain, Jan. 9, 1843; d. Liria (Valencia), Aug. 26, 1897. Teresa, the daughter of pious peasants, joined the Poor Clares, but ill health soon compelled her to return home. With the cooperation of Saturnino López Novoa, a priest, she founded her religious congregation to provide care and solace for the aged. Together with ten companions, Teresa of Jesus (as she was known in religion) took the habit at Barbastro (Huesca) but soon transferred the mother-house to Valencia, where it remains. She continued as superior general until her death, by which time the institute had 103 houses. By 1961 it had 3,079 members and 201 houses and had spread to several countries, including the U.S. Papal approval came in 1887. Teresa was noted for her affability, kindness, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was beatified April 27, 1958.

Feast: Aug. 26.

Bibliography: e. pietromarchi, La Beata Teresa de Jesus: Jornet e Ibars (Rome 1958). Acta Apostolicae Sedis 50 (1958) 322325. j. l. baudot and l. chaussin, Vies des saints et des bien-heureux selon l'ordre du calendrier avec l'historique des fêtes 13:196197.

[i. bastarrika]