Ernesto Cofiño

Dr. Ernesto Cofiño is considered the father of pediatrics in Guatemala. Upon his return from France, pediatrics was not yet recognized as an autonomous medical specialty in the country. He then engaged in a fierce struggle against infant mortality, malnutrition, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.

In 1935, he was appointed the first tenured professor of the chair of pediatrics at the University of San Carlos, a position he would hold for 24 years. At the same time, he assumed significant leadership and founding responsibilities: * Director of pediatric medicine at the country's main hospital, the San Juan de Dios General Hospital, from 1939 to 1960. * Founder of the Anti-Tuberculosis Sanatorium for children in San Juan Sacatepéquez in 1942. * Medical Director of the Society for the Protection of Children from 1940 to 1946. * Director of the National Fight against Tuberculosis from 1945 to 1946. * Director of Caritas Guatemala for three years, during which time he organized food distribution for nearly 90,000 people in the poorest villages. * Co-founder in 1976 of the Foundation for Integral Development (FUDI) to assist victims of the 1976 earthquake, an initiative that would give rise to the Utz Samaj rural training center.

Dr. Cofiño also distinguished himself by his rigorous defense of the right to life of the unborn, becoming one of the pioneers of the pro-life movement in Guatemala. He gave numerous lectures on this subject to thousands of people, including students, doctors, and families. In recognition of his exceptional merits, Pope John XXIII named him a Knight of the Order of Saint Sylvester on December 8, 1961.

In 1953, at the age of 54, Ernesto Cofiño discovered Opus Dei. This encounter profoundly transformed his vision of daily life. In 1956, he requested admission to Opus Dei as a supernumerary member. From then on, he strove to sanctify his professional work and family life, finding in ordinary tasks a path to encounter God. His spiritual life intensified through daily participation in Mass and Communion, frequent confession, personal prayer, and a deep Marian devotion.

In 1963, his wife Clemencia passed away following a stroke. Ernesto accepted this painful trial with great Christian strength. A widower for 28 years, he continued to dedicate himself to his family, helping to raise his 21 grandchildren, while leading an increasingly intense, almost monastic life of prayer and multiplying his charitable commitments.

At the age of 80, he was diagnosed with jaw cancer. Despite the removal of three-quarters of his lower jaw and the suffering associated with the illness, he continued to work and serve others with joy and serenity. He passed away on October 17, 1991, in Guatemala, surrounded by a solid reputation for holiness.

The cause for the beatification and canonization of Ernesto Cofiño officially opened at the diocesan level in Guatemala on July 31, 2000. In 2002, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints (then the Congregation) issued the decree of validity for the diocesan inquiry. On February 16, 2021, the Positio on his life, virtues, and reputation for holiness was submitted in Rome. Following the favorable examination by theological consultors in November 2022, Pope Francis authorized, on December 14, 2023, the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thereby declaring him Venerable. He is the first supernumerary member of Opus Dei to reach this canonical status. To date, no miracle has yet been officially recognized for his beatification, but numerous testimonies of favors obtained through his intercession continue to reach the postulation.

The spirituality of Ernesto Cofiño is based on the sanctification of professional work and the duties of one's state in life, according to the spirit of Opus Dei. For him, medicine was not just a career, but a ministry of charity and service toward Christ present in the poorest and the most suffering. He considered his profession as a means to transform society and bring it closer to God. His legacy remains alive in Guatemala and throughout the world, particularly among health professionals who are inspired by his example of the 'saint in a white coat'. Educational and social initiatives, such as the 'Doctor Ernesto Cofiño Ubico' scholarships awarded by the Ciudad Vieja University Center, perpetuate his memory and his commitment to youth and social development.