Historical Context

The late 18th and early 19th centuries were tumultuous times in Europe and Spain in particular. The echoes of the French Revolution (1789) reached Spanish territories, leading to political and social instability. The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) deeply affected Spain, culminating in the Peninsular War (1808-1814), which saw the country occupied by French troops and engaged in a struggle for independence. These events significantly influenced the religious, social, and political landscape in which Buenaventura Codina was born and shaped his future vocation.

During this period, the Catholic Church in Spain faced challenges, including political repression and the decline of traditional religious institutions. It remained, however, a stronghold of moral and social stability, with religious congregations, such as the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity, playing a crucial role in education, charity, and missionary work. It was within this framework that Codina found his calling and dedicated his life to the mission.

Birth, Family, and Early Life

Buenaventura Codina y Augerolas was born in 1785 in Hostalric, a small town in the province of Girona, Spain. Little is known about his early years, but sources describe him as a studious child with a strong inclination toward prayer and devotion. His family, deeply rooted in Catholic traditions, supported his religious education and fostered his vocation.

Vocational Calling and Seminary Studies

Codina’s spiritual journey began early in life. He pursued his initial education in religious studies, eventually enrolling in the University of Cervera, a prominent institution in Catalonia at the time. There, he studied philosophy and theology under Jesuit professors, who instilled in him a strong intellectual foundation and a deep commitment to missionary work.

His time at Cervera coincided with the growing influence of the Congregation of the Mission, founded by St. Vincent de Paul in the 17th century. The Missionaries emphasized pastoral work, charity, and education, particularly among the poor. Codina found their mission deeply inspiring and decided to join them.

Admission to the Congregation of the Mission

In 1803, at the age of 18, Codina joined the Congregation of the Mission in Barcelona. This marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the Vincentian ideals. His years in the internal seminary were dedicated to rigorous theological studies, spiritual exercises, and practical training in missionary work.

His formation, however, was disrupted by the Napoleonic invasion of Spain in 1808. The French occupation led to widespread upheaval, including the closure of seminaries and the displacement of religious communities. The Missionaries in Barcelona were forced to leave their house, and many of them, including Codina, sought refuge in Mallorca. Despite these challenges, Codina continued his studies and pastoral activities, demonstrating resilience and unwavering dedication.

“The Community that remained in Barcelona, thrown out of its own House in Calle de Tallers, settled in the House of Matamoros, but, not being left in peace even there by the interfering authorities, they dispersed, and most of its members fled from the city. It is believed that the Seminarians had been sent to their homes beforehand. Sobíes, Visitor, Vilera, Feu, Prat, Buenaventura Codina and Sintes arrived in Mallorca, with Brothers Valls, Balvey and Francisco Farell” (Nicolás Pascual, «La Casa Misión de Palma de Mallorca y los Misioneros refugiados en ella», Anales Barcelona, 1939)

During his time in Mallorca, Codina distinguished himself through his commitment to missionary work. He conducted spiritual retreats, preached to the local communities, and even composed a series of sermons in Catalan on the Ten Commandments. His zeal led him to express a desire to join the Portuguese missions in India, but the end of the war in 1814 redirected his path back to the Spanich Peninsula, first to Barbastro and from there to Badajoz where he worked for the next eleven years.

Priestly Ministry and Leadership Roles

After the war, Codina’s missionary journey took him to various parts of Spain, including Aragón, Badajoz, and Madrid. His exceptional abilities in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care earned him significant responsibilities within the Congregation.

In Badajoz, he was entrusted with the spiritual formation of newly ordained priests and appointed as an examiner for confessors. He also served as chaplain and director of the Daughters of Charity. His role involved overseeing the sisters’ spiritual and practical duties, ensuring that their mission remained faithful to the Vincentian charism.

He was named director of the Daughters of Charity in Spain, a position he held from 1826 to 1848. He constantly recommended that the Sisters live in affection for each other and for the poor:

“Do not forsake the poor even for an moment, day or night, neither in time of prayer, nor during the eleven o’clock Mass on feast days, lest in any of the moments that they are abandoned, some serious need should occur. Develop yourselves in the best service of the poor, considering them all as members of Jesus Christ; helping them, therefore, corporally and spiritually with prudence, affability, respect and devotion, as the holy Rule prescribes” (José Herrera, Vida del Excelentísimo Señor Don Buenaventura Codina. Misionero de San Vicente de Paúl y Obispo de Canarias, capítulo 4).

“No matter how angry or ungrateful they may be, never treat them harshly, but with a motherly prayer for them, you must assist even their smallest needs and, with sweet words full of love and respect, win their hearts so as to better lead them to God” (Ibidem).

By 1833 he was appointed superior of the community in Madrid. In 1844 he was named Visitor of the Province; his leadership coincided with a difficult period for religious institutions, as the liberal government implemented anti-clerical measures, including the suppression of monastic orders and confiscation of church properties. Codina, however, remained steadfast in his mission, advocating for the rights of religious communities and ensuring that charitable works continued despite political challenges.

Exile and Return to Spain

Codina’s defense of religious institutions eventually led to conflict with the government. In November 1839, amid escalating tensions between the Church and the liberal state, he was exiled to France. He spent several years in Chabous-sur-Marne, where he taught theology and continued his pastoral work. This period of exile allowed him to deepen his understanding of international ecclesiastical affairs and strengthen his commitment to the Vincentian mission.

Following the fall of the regency of Baldomero Espartero in 1843, Codina was permitted to return to Spain. He resumed his duties as director of the Daughters of Charity and continued to expand the Vincentian presence in Spain. His tireless work in strengthening the Congregation of the Mission and supporting charitable institutions did not go unnoticed by the Church hierarchy.

“This second stage of his mission was very fruitful in vocations and establishments. In the year 1845, the director spent his time giving Spiritual Exercises. At the end of that year, Codina had an interview with Father Etienne, Superior General of the Congregation, in San Sebastian. From that date on, he spent his years working for the Congregation and for the Sisters, fighting against the economic hardships of the time, and also the spiritual hardships” (Graciela García Santana, «Aproximación histórica de la religiosidad popular en el siglo XIX», revista Almogaren 58 (2016) 89-107).

Nomination to the Episcopate

By the mid-1840s, Codina had established himself as one of the most influential Vincentian priests in Spain. His reputation for pastoral care, missionary zeal, and administrative skills made him a prime candidate for the episcopacy. In May 1847, Nuncio Bishop Brunelli took notice of him and, at the end of the year, Pope Pius IX appointed him Bishop of the Canary Islands, a position that required extraordinary dedication due to the region’s geographical and social challenges and a position that he would hold until his death.

His appointment marked the beginning of an episcopate defined by tireless dedication to the spiritual and material well-being of his flock. Upon assuming his role, Codina immediately focused on reforming the clergy, strengthening pastoral work, and addressing social injustices within the diocese. His efforts, however, were met with resistance, both from ecclesiastical authorities and some members of the clergy who were reluctant to embrace change.

The situation in the Canary Islands was further complicated by the social and political context of the time. Codina’s commitment to social justice and his advocacy for the poor often put him at odds with more conservative elements of the Church, who saw his progressive approach as controversial. His emphasis on direct pastoral care, rather than administrative oversight, was also criticized by some who believed a bishop should remain more detached from daily ministerial work.

“Gran Canaria was then going through a period of the most serious bitterness and desolation in its history. Hardly had the horrible nightmare of hunger ended, and without it having disappeared yet, the yellow fever came to spread tears and mourning, once again, in every corner of the island. The scenario was not at all flattering. And in the religious life, a seminary in alarming decadence, a Cathedral Chapter reduced to the minimum expression and unconcerned with its sacred obligations, and a Clergy strongly influenced by the Jansenist doctrines, were thorns that made the apostolic hearts of Bishop Codina and Father Claret bleed from the moment of their arrival. More than once they will bitterly record it in their writings” (Federico Gutiérrez, San Antonio María Claret, Apóstol de Canarias, Ed. Coculsa. Madrid, 1969. Pág. 29)

Leadership During the Cholera Epidemic

The cholera epidemic that struck the Canary Islands in 1851 tested Codina’s pastoral zeal and compassion in unprecedented ways. At a time when fear and panic caused many to abandon the afflicted, Codina displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness. Refusing to leave his people, he personally ministered to the sick, often entering infected homes to provide the sacraments and comfort the dying. His unwavering presence in the midst of suffering became a source of hope and reassurance for the faithful.

Beyond his direct pastoral care, Codina took decisive action to coordinate relief efforts. He organized clergy and lay volunteers to distribute food, medicine, and clothing to those in need, ensuring that no one was left without aid. He also worked closely with local authorities to implement health measures aimed at containing the spread of the disease. His leadership extended beyond spiritual guidance; he became a key figure in the logistical and humanitarian response to the epidemic.

The Bishop was seen “touring the most infested places, giving spiritual aid to the dying, bringing them the consolation of his word and sharing with them the faith that burned in his heart” (Agustín Miralles Torres, «El cólera», capítulo VIII de Historia General de las Islas Canarias, Tomo V. Ed, Edirca, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1977, pág. 23)

Despite the risks to his own health, Codina never wavered in his mission. He personally buried victims when no one else dared to do so, demonstrating a profound commitment to both corporal and spiritual works of mercy. His actions during this crisis reinforced his reputation as a bishop who lived the Gospel through deeds rather than words. The deep respect and admiration he earned during this time solidified his status as a true shepherd, willing to lay down his life for his flock.

Pastoral Reforms and Legacy

Beyond his immediate response to crises, Codina worked tirelessly to implement long-term pastoral reforms. He emphasized the importance of proper clerical formation, believing that well-educated and spiritually disciplined priests were essential for the growth and moral integrity of the Church. To this end, he strengthened the local seminary, ensuring that future clergy received rigorous theological and pastoral training.

Codina also placed great emphasis on catechesis, recognizing that a well-informed laity was crucial for the vitality of the Church. He encouraged the establishment of parish-based catechetical programs and promoted the use of accessible religious literature to educate the faithful. His efforts extended to advocating for the inclusion of Christian doctrine in public education, aiming to instill moral values in society from an early age.

Social justice was another pillar of his episcopal mission. Codina actively supported charitable initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, establishing shelters for the homeless, and ensuring that the most vulnerable received adequate care. His pastoral letters often addressed issues of social inequality, urging both the clergy and laypeople to embrace Christian charity as a fundamental duty.

Despite the resistance he faced, his leadership left an indelible mark on the diocese. Many considered him a model of episcopal service, admired for his humility, dedication, and courage in the face of adversity. His influence extended beyond the Canary Islands, as his dedication and reforms were recognized by Church authorities in Spain and Rome. To this day, his pastoral vision continues to inspire those who work for the renewal and spiritual enrichment of the Church.

Challenges and Opposition

One of the most difficult periods of Codina’s ministry was the rejection he faced in 1855 from Fr. Etienne, the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission. His rigorous commitment to his episcopal duties, his insistence on ecclesiastical reform, and his unwavering focus on pastoral care led to increasing tensions with his former confreres. They viewed his approach as too independent and misaligned with the Congregation’s directives, ultimately leading to his formal expulsion from the Congregation in 1855 “for being ordained bishop without the authorization of his superior.” Father Etienne then ordered to cut off all communication with the bishop of Las Palmas.

This rejection deeply affected Codina, as he had dedicated many years of his life to the Congregation and its mission. Instead of succumbing to bitterness, he embraced his new reality with humility and resolve. He found solace in his episcopal responsibilities and channeled his energy into serving his diocese with renewed fervor.

Despite being cast out from the community that had once been his spiritual home, Codina remained devoted to the Vincentian ideals of charity and service, ensuring that his work among the faithful was not hindered by personal grievances. He refused to engage in public disputes over his expulsion, choosing instead to lead by example. Many of his contemporaries noted his deep sense of prayer and contemplation, which helped him navigate this personal crisis with remarkable spiritual strength.

Over time, Codina’s reputation as a deeply pastoral and reform-minded bishop only grew stronger. He was known for his ability to bridge divides within the local Church, fostering a sense of unity despite external opposition. His resilience in the face of rejection and his unwavering faith made him an even greater spiritual leader, admired not just in the Canary Islands but also beyond.

Death and the Path to Canonization

Buenaventura Codina y Augerolas passed away on November 18, 1857, after years of tireless service to the Diocese of the Canary Islands. His death was deeply mourned by both clergy and laity, who regarded him not only as a bishop but as a true shepherd who had given his life in service to his flock. His funeral was attended by large crowds, and numerous testimonies emerged describing his holiness, humility, and unwavering dedication to the poor and sick.

In the years following his death, devotion to Codina grew among the faithful. Many reported favors and graces received through his intercession, and there was a widespread call for the Church to formally recognize his sanctity. Encouraged by these accounts, the Diocese of the Canary Islands began gathering testimonies about his life, virtues, and pastoral work, laying the groundwork for the formal opening of his cause for canonization.

The process officially began when Codina was declared Servant of God, the first stage in the path toward sainthood. This designation recognized his reputation for holiness and marked the commencement of a detailed examination of his life and works. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints received numerous documents and eyewitness accounts detailing his self-sacrificing service, his unwavering faith in the face of adversity, and his deep commitment to the Vincentian ideals of charity and evangelization. The positio of the Servant of God Buenaventura Codina was delivered to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in June 2008.

One of the key elements in his cause for canonization is his exemplary leadership during the cholera epidemic, where he personally risked his life to tend to the sick and dying. His extraordinary charity, humility, and resilience in the face of opposition from his former religious community also serve as compelling evidence of his heroic virtues.

Currently, efforts continue to advance his cause, with theologians and historians carefully reviewing the collected testimonies. If Codina’s virtues are formally recognized as heroic, he may be declared Venerable, the next significant step in the canonization process. The final stages—beatification and canonization—will require authenticated miracles attributed to his intercession, further affirming his sanctity in the eyes of the Church.

The legacy of Buenaventura Codina y Augerolas endures as an inspiration to both clergy and laity. His life stands as a powerful example of faith in action, pastoral dedication, and the call to serve the most vulnerable. As the Church continues to investigate his cause, his memory lives on in the devotion of those who recognize him as a model of holiness and selfless service.

“It can be summarized that Codina’s missionary spirit characterized his work, his concern for social justice, his generosity in dealing with others, his interest in the study and formation of all, marked his episcopate. His charity, his life of prayer, his silence for reflection […] highlighted the human person and his mission above all else” (Graciela García Santana, «Buenaventura Codina, Obispo de Canarias», revista Almogaren 46 (2010) 149-193).

In the Cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the Chapel of Sorrows, the mummified corpse of the Servant of God, Bishop Buenaventura Codina y Augerolas, is exhibited.
In 1978 his remains were exhumed from the crypt of the Cathedral, where he had been buried one hundred and twenty years earlier. His body was found incorrupt. Dressed with simplicity, he wore a plain wooden crucifix that he had preferred to a more sumptuous one of Queen Isabel II.

Prayer to obtain graces through the intercession of the Servant of God, Buenaventura Codina:

Our Father, You created your servant Buenaventura Codina and, in his heroic charity, You sanctified Your name and extended Your kingdom through preaching and the Eucharistic celebration. Your servant did not disappoint you; he was able to respond to Your call and mission with generous fidelity to Your gospel even in the smallest things, as a testimony of love for Your goodness. His life, Lord, was a constant intercession for the poor and the sick, asking for our daily bread; our, not my, shared bread.

He was aware of the misery of sin. That is why he asked You to forgive him his debts, as he forgave his debtors, who were never absent throughout his entire life.

Because we want to imitate him, we ask You, O Lord, not to abandon us in the temptation to want to be like gods; nor in disinteresting ourselves from our brother, like Cain; nor in human respect, like Peter; nor in preferring money, power, or fame to following Your Son.

Through his intercession, we beseech You, deliver us from spiritual and material evils, and, in a special way, from that which concerns me most, granting us, if necessary according to Your will, the grace we desire for the beatification of your servant Buenaventura Codina. In communion with Mary and through the action of the Holy Spirit, we say our life’s yes to You who are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen.