José María Amigó Ferrer

In August 1881, Father Luis Amigó was assigned to the convent of La Magdalena in Masamagrell. There, he was tasked with reorganizing the Secular Franciscan Order in the region. His pastoral dynamism attracted thousands of laypeople eager to live the Gospel according to the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. It was from this pool of committed laypeople that his two religious foundations would emerge, centered on education, rehabilitation, and the accompaniment of young people at risk or in marginalized situations: 1. The Tertiary Capuchin Sisters of the Holy Family (Hermanas Terciarias Capuchinas de la Sagrada Familia): Founded on May 11, 1885, at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Montiel (Benaguasil, Valencia). This female congregation was initially dedicated to the care of the sick, the education of orphans, and the protection of young girls. 2. The Tertiary Capuchin Religious of Our Lady of Sorrows (Religiosos Terciarios Capuchinos de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, also known as Amigonians): Founded on April 12, 1889, in Masamagrell. This male branch specialized in a highly innovative way in curative pedagogy, rehabilitation, and the accompaniment of minors in conflict with the law or presenting behavioral disorders. In addition to his role as founder, Father Luis assumed significant responsibilities within his Order, notably becoming the first provincial minister of the restored Capuchin province of Valencia in 1898. On April 18, 1907, Pope Pius X appointed him titular bishop of Thagaste and apostolic administrator of the diocese of Solsona (Catalonia). He received episcopal consecration on June 9, 1907. Then, on July 18, 1913, he was appointed bishop of Segorbe (Castellón), a position he would exercise with tireless pastoral zeal until his death. As a bishop, he distinguished himself by his closeness to the working and peasant classes, his support for the social doctrine of the Church, the reorganization of seminaries, and the creation of numerous vocational schools.

Father Luis Amigó passed away peacefully on October 1, 1934, at the Saint Joseph Seminary in Godella (Valencia), surrounded by his spiritual sons and daughters. He was buried in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Tertiary Capuchin Sisters in Masamagrell.

The reputation for holiness of the Capuchin bishop, already immense during his lifetime, continued to grow after his death. His life, characterized by profound humility, absolute trust in Divine Providence, and boundless charity toward the most destitute, was quickly proposed as a model.

The diocesan informative process on his life and virtues was opened in Valencia on January 26, 1950. After a meticulous examination of his writings and the testimonies collected, the cause was officially introduced in Rome. On June 13, 1992, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thereby conferring upon him the title of Venerable. During this proclamation, the papal decree described him as a "giant of the spiritual life, a model and prototype for religious, priests, bishops, and founders."

The cause for the beatification of José María Amigó Ferrer is currently underway. For him to be proclaimed blessed, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession is required by the Church.

A file concerning an unexplained healing that occurred in South America has been the subject of a diocesan inquiry and has been transmitted to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. The medical reports and testimonies have been integrated into the Positio in order to be examined by the medical and theological consultants of the Roman Curia. The Amigonian family and numerous faithful throughout the world continue to pray and collect signatures to request his prompt beatification.

The spirituality of Luis Amigó is deeply rooted in the Franciscan charism, characterized by minority, evangelical poverty, contemplation of the Passion of Christ, and a filial devotion to the Virgin of Sorrows (Our Lady of Sorrows) and the Holy Family. His most remarkable legacy lies in his "Amigonian pedagogy" or pedagogy of love and mercy. In the face of purely punitive human justice, Luis Amigó opposed an approach based on mercy, trust, rehabilitation, and preventive education. He exhorted his religious to be true fathers and mothers to wayward youth, loving them "as they are" to help them reveal the best of themselves. Today, the Amigonian Family (composed of religious, sisters, and thousands of lay cooperators) is present in more than 30 countries across Europe, America, Africa, and Asia, continuing its work with minors in difficulty, in rehabilitation centers, schools, and parishes. Each year, the period from September 15 (feast of Our Lady of Sorrows) to October 17 (anniversary of his birth) is celebrated as the "Month of Amigonianity."