# Venezuela saint canonization and legacy commemorations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-saint-canonization-anniversaries
> Updated: 2026-10-25T21:23:59.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Venezuela is observing the first anniversary of the canonization of its first two saints, San José Gregorio Hernández and Santa Madre Carmen Rendiles. The original proclamation was made by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025.

In Caracas, the Archdiocese organized several religious activities, including a prayer vigil at the Sanctuary of La Candelaria and a pilgrimage titled ‘The Path of Our Saints’. Festivities also included a Mass at the Colegio Belén chapel officiated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Alberto Ortega Martín.

Devotees have gathered at various temples nationwide to honor the figures. José Gregorio Hernández, referred to as the ‘doctor of the poor’, is recognized for his contributions to scientific medicine and physiology in Venezuela, while Carmen Rendiles is honored for her religious vocation and founding the Servants of Jesus.

On October 26, 2026, commemorations expanded to mark the 162nd anniversary of the birth of José Gregorio Hernández. In addition to celebrating his canonization, activities highlighted his legacy as a medical pioneer who founded Venezuela’s first university scientific laboratory. 

In Yaracuy, celebrations include liturgical events alongside social services such as food distribution and medical and dental clinics. In Táchira, pilgrims are visiting the sanctuary at the Patrocinio Peñuela Ruiz Hospital to record testimonies of healing in a dedicated book. These accounts include reported recoveries from heart disease, cancer, and meningitis.

## Claims

- The first anniversary of his canonization is being commemorated. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- José Gregorio Hernández was born in 1864 in Isnotú, Trujillo. (single source)
- Hernández founded the first university scientific laboratory in Venezuela. (single source)
- Religious activities in Yaracuy include medical, dental, and food assistance programs. (single source)
- Devotees in Táchira use a book of testimonies to record reported healings. (single source)
- Hernández was declared venerable in 1986. (single source)
- Hernández was beatified in 2021. (single source)
- Hernández was canonized as a saint in 2025. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Venezuela commemorates the legacy of San José Gregorio Hernández

Venezuela commemorates the 162nd anniversary of José Gregorio Hernández's birth and the first anniversary of his canonization through religious acts and social programs.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-commemorates-the-legacy-of-san-jos-gregorio-hernndez

### 2026-10-19: Venezuela commemorates first anniversary of José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles canonization

Venezuela marks one year since the canonization of its first saints, José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles, by Pope Leo XIV.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-commemorates-first-anniversary-of-jos-gregorio-hernndez-and-carmen-rendiles-canonization

### 2026-10-17: Venezuela prepares celebrations for first anniversary of saint canonizations

Venezuela prepares to mark the first anniversary of the canonization of San José Gregorio Hernández and Santa Madre Carmen Rendiles with vigils, processions, and Masses in Caracas.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-prepares-celebrations-for-first-anniversary-of-saint-canonizations

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Cite as: Venezuela saint canonization and legacy commemorations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-saint-canonization-anniversaries