Childhood and Early Years

Francinaina Cirer Carbonell was born on June 1, 1781, in the town of Sencelles on the island of Mallorca, Spain. She was baptized on the same day by Reverend Matías Verd, following the custom of the time. Her parents, Juan Cirer and Juana María Carbonell, were humble farmers who instilled strong values of faith and hard work in their children. Francinaina had three siblings: Juan, Sebastián, and Francisco.

From an early age, she showed a profound inclination toward religious life. While she enjoyed playing with her friends, she was also known for her devotion. She helped her parents with farm work and generously shared her food with other shepherd children who lacked sufficient meals. Her mother dressed her in traditional payesa attire, but Francinaina preferred more modest clothing. It is said that she would leave home dressed as her mother wished but change into a black dress upon arriving at a friend’s house to go to church.

At the age of eight, Francinaina had a mystical experience while caring for a child at the home of a lady from Son Mansena. During a fainting spell, she claimed to have seen hell—a vision that profoundly impacted her and led her to avoid offending the Lord and strive to convert those who had strayed from the path of faith.

Religious Calling and Challenges

From a young age, she felt called to consecrate herself to religious life, but numerous obstacles prevented her from formally joining a congregation. Despite this, she devoted her life to serving others. After the deaths of her mother, siblings, and finally her father, she was left alone at the age of 40 and began to fully live out her vocation.

Together with her friend Magdalena Cirer Bennassar, she transformed her home into a true refuge for the needy in Sencelles. There, she educated children and young people in the faith, comforted the poor and sick, and provided advice to those seeking help. Although she was illiterate, Sor Francinaina possessed innate wisdom, making her a teacher and counselor for all.

Miracles and Acts of Charity

Sor Francinaina’s fame grew due to numerous miracles attributed to her intercession. One of the most well-known stories recounts how, during heavy rain, a girl who needed to buy medicine returned completely dry after using the hat Sor Francinaina had lent her. Another notable miracle was the instant healing of a girl born blind.

Her life was also marked by providential interventions. On one occasion, she prevented a man from committing theft by reprimanding him and offering him alms. In another instance, she reconciled a father and son who were fighting. These and other miracles increased her reputation, attracting people from different towns seeking her advice and prayers.

Foundation of the Convent of the Sisters of Charity

Sor Francinaina’s desire to create a lasting space for charity materialized in the foundation of the convent of the Sisters of Charity. The Cirer family home was not initially suitable for housing a congregation, but with unwavering faith, Sor Francinaina began renovation work despite having only one gold ounce and eighty pesetas.

During the construction, numerous miracles occurred: the cistern’s water never ran out, construction materials appeared miraculously, and plaster multiplied in the workers’ hands. Finally, on December 7, 1851, Sor Francinaina, at the age of 70, received the holy habit along with other companions, adopting the name Sor Francinaina de los Dolores de María Cirer. She placed the convent under the protection of Our Lady of Sorrows and was appointed Superior of the community, a position she held until her death.

Religious Life and Mystical Experiences

As a religious sister, her ecstatic experiences became more frequent and were witnessed by many. These often occurred while she prayed the Way of the Cross or in the town church. Her spiritual life and overwhelming charity made her a revered figure in Sencelles and throughout Mallorca.

Death and Beatification

Sor Francinaina passed away on February 27, 1855, after having announced the circumstances of her death. News of her passing spread quickly, and a multitude of people came to pay tribute. Many placed rosaries and objects on her body to later venerate them.

On October 1, 1989, Pope John Paul II beatified her, recognizing her life of heroic virtues and miracles. Since then, she has been known as Blessed Sor Francinaina Cirer, and her intercession continues to be sought by those seeking comfort and assistance.

Legacy

The legacy of Sor Francinaina endures through the community of the Sisters of Charity, who continue her work of serving the sick and providing Christian education. Her life stands as a testament to faith, committed love, and total dedication to God and neighbor. In Sencelles, she is still remembered with the affection and respect she earned during her life, inspiring generations of the faithful.