Blessed Ana María Janer Anglarill is a prominent figure in Christian tradition due to her life of service, dedication, and charity toward those in need. Founder of the Institute of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Urgell, her legacy transcends the borders of Spain, reaching communities in various countries.
Early Years
Ana María Janer was born on December 18, 1800, in Cervera, Lérida, Spain, into a deeply Christian family. From an early age, she showed a natural inclination toward religious life, characterized by her kindness and sensitivity to the suffering of others. These traits were reinforced in a historical context marked by the Napoleonic Wars and political instability in Spain, which created significant social needs.
At the age of 18, Ana María joined the community of the Sisters of Charity at the hospital in Cervera, where she devoted her efforts to caring for the sick and the destitute. During this time, her vocation was solidified, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and spirituality rooted in trust in divine providence.
Her Service During the War
One of the most significant episodes in Ana María’s life was her work during the First Carlist War (1833-1840). In a time of great political and social polarization, Ana María stood out for attending to soldiers on both sides without distinction. This attitude, inspired by universal Christian love, earned her the recognition of many and cemented her reputation as a woman of profound charity.
In 1836, due to the disentailment laws that forced the expulsion of religious communities, Ana María was compelled to take refuge in Toulouse, France. There, she continued her work at the Hospital de la Grave, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.
Return to Cervera and New Foundations
In 1844, Ana María returned to Cervera, resuming her service at the local hospital. In 1849, she assumed leadership of the Casa de la Caridad, where she expanded her work to care for the elderly, orphans, and marginalized individuals. Her vision led her to establish the Congregation of the Sacred Heart and the Association of Daughters of Mary in 1856, initiatives aimed at the spiritual and academic formation of young women.
In 1859, responding to the request of Bishop José Caixal y Estradé of Urgell, she founded the Institute of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Urgell. This institute focused on hospital and school services, particularly in the rural areas of the Pyrenees. Under her leadership, the congregation grew and expanded to various locations.
Spirituality of Ana María Janer
The spirituality of Ana María Janer was centered on three fundamental pillars: trust in divine providence, boundless charity, and humility. Her constant life of prayer strengthened her to face the challenges of her mission, while her inclusive and loving vision enabled her to serve people from all walks of life.
One of the most outstanding aspects of her charism was her ability to see Christ in the poorest and most suffering. For Ana María, serving others was not just an act of charity but a tangible expression of her love for God.
Legacy and Beatification
Ana María Janer passed away on January 11, 1885, in Talarn, Lérida, leaving an indelible legacy. Her work, continued by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Urgell, has reached countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Mexico, among others. These communities follow her example of service and commitment to the most vulnerable.
The beatification process of Ana María began in 1950, culminating on October 8, 2011, when she was proclaimed blessed in a ceremony held in La Seu d’Urgell. The Church recognized her life of heroic virtue and exemplary Christian faith.
The life of Blessed Ana María Janer Anglarill is a testimony of love, dedication, and unwavering faith. Her spirituality and legacy inspire all those who seek to live a life of service and devotion to others. Today, her work endures in the mission of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Urgell, reminding us that love for others is the most sublime path to God.
“In your behavior, be kind to everyone, in order to conquer them for Jesus Christ and win them for Heaven. When you are angry or upset, do not reprove anyone, because reproof in this case is useless, nor does it have a good effect, nor is it a cause of amendment in any person. I know of a certain person, who, when she has reason to be upset, takes a good look at it, considers it, and then speaks more freely and tenderly to her own relatives and to those who give her reason to be upset or angry. This is my daughters, to overcome, to know how to govern and to be superior to oneself.
Be humble in heart, not only in words; you know that Jesus Christ came into this world to correct and detest pride, teaching humility by his actions. Not humble are the people who at every step call themselves miserable, sinners. Be lovers of holy poverty and do not look for comforts, nor exquisite meals; if they are given to you, take them without fear of failing in poverty. Love scorn, without seeking or desiring it; but take it as it comes, for the love of Jesus. It is good to examine the heart to see if it nourishes any disordered affection, and if you find it, expose its folds to the Spiritual Director, because she who does not do so will not advance in sanctity. Do not be jealous or envious; if someone has these passions, let her undergo a particular examination until she is reformed. Every day, with ardent faith, before going to bed, ask yourself: could you stand before God today? When the evening examination arrives, I always ask myself if I have fulfilled well all my actions; if not, I feel regret. If I have been able to order it well, I feel consoled and it seems to me that God is pleased. Let us try to keep the presence of God that in prayer we have obtained; in every place and situation, to have God present. Thus, in classes, work, kitchen, refectory, foyer; always, always, have God present. Oh, how beautiful is the practice of the presence of God and how it uplifts all our works!”
“Thoughts, memories, intimate conversations,” by Ana María Janer.
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