Francisca Pascual Doménech

Within the Beguinage of Valencia, the tertiary sisters lived under the same roof but without a truly structured community life, each individually devoting herself to prayer and penance. Elected superior of the community, Francisca Pascual Doménech perceived the need for a profound reform. She proposed to her companions that they adopt new constitutions focused on fraternal life, poverty, obedience, and direct service to the most destitute. On February 27, 1876, the Archbishop of Valencia, Msgr. Mariano Benito Barrio Fernández, officially approved these new Constitutions. This act marked the birth of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate (Hermanas Franciscanas de la Inmaculada). Under the impetus of the foundress, the institute dedicated itself to the human and Christian education of children and young people, paying particular attention to marginalized and disabled persons. The congregation distinguished itself notably by its pioneering action in favor of the blind and the deaf-mute. In 1887, the congregation founded the San Vicente Ferrer College in Valencia, the first establishment specifically dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of deaf children. The work developed rapidly. In addition to specialized teaching, the sisters opened protection centers for young working women, and cared for the elderly, the sick (notably lepers), and the poor. During the lifetime of the foundress, the congregation spread to several regions of Spain before experiencing a major international expansion.

After a life entirely given to the service of God and the poorest, Francisca Pascual Doménech passed away on April 26, 1903, in Moncada. The reputation of holiness of the foundress prompted the congregation to introduce her cause for beatification. The diocesan process was officially opened in the Archdiocese of Valencia on February 26, 1989. The Holy See granted the decree of nihil obstat on August 29, 1990. The diocesan inquiry was closed on April 13, 1991, and its legal validity was recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on March 18, 1994. The drafting of the Positio on her heroic virtues followed, compiling testimonies and historical documents regarding her life.

On September 29, 2020, Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues. By this act, Francisca de la Concepción Pascual Doménech was officially declared Venerable. For her beatification to be pronounced, a miracle attributed to her intercession must be the subject of a canonical investigation and official approval by the Holy See.

The spirituality of the Venerable Francisca Pascual Doménech is rooted in the Franciscan charism, characterized by simplicity, joy, fraternity, and love of poverty. Her life of faith is nourished by a deep Marian devotion (under the title of the Immaculate Conception), constant Eucharistic prayer, and contemplation of the Passion of Christ. Her life motto, "Always do good" (Hacer siempre el bien), guides the actions of her spiritual daughters. Today, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate perpetuate her legacy throughout the world (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Honduras, India, Morocco, Kenya, and Uganda). They work notably within the Franciscan Educational Foundation of the Immaculate (EFI), which manages numerous schools and special education centers, keeping alive the pedagogy of mercy and inclusion initiated by their foundress.