Bl. Josephine Mary of Beniganim
January 23
Joephine Mary of Beniganim (1625-1692) was an Augustinian Sister noted for her deep spirit of prayer and for her service to her community.
She was born January 9, 1625 in Benaganim, Valencia, Spain. She was baptized Josephine Teresa. Her family was poor, and became poorer when her father died while she was still a child.
Josephine entered the local Augustinian convent, where she took the religious name Sister Josephine Mary of Saint Agnes. The other sisters usually called her Mother Agnes.
Because she had little formal educaton, Josephine's ministry was initially limited to providing domestic service for her community. She developed a deep life of contemplative prayer, where she was gifted with theological understanding and the ability to counsel others. This allowed her to expand the scope of her ministry.
She died January 21, 1692. Her remains are preserved at the Augustinian convent in Beniganim. Pope Leo XIII declared her Blessed in 1888.
