Blessed Francisco Palau, OCD

Blessed Francisco Palau, OCD was born on 29th December 1811 at Aytona in Spain. In 1828, at the age of 17, he entered the seminary in Lerida. After having completed three years of philosophy and the first year of theology, he joined the Discalced Carmelites and made his religious vows on November 14, 1832. He took the religious habit and began his novitiate as Francisco of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (religious name). During that time, life in Spain and throughout Europe was difficult but in spite of the political upheaval, he remained steadfast and unafraid. His ideal was clear and his vocation was definite. Having this strong conviction, he made his solemn religious profession of vows and consecrated himself to God on the 15th of November 1833. Fr. Francisco Palau faithfully dedicated himself generously fulfilling whatever his vocation asked of him in his concrete circumstances. It was not easy for him as persecution in the church continued and he was even condemned to exile in the island of Ibiza. But he did not give in to discouragement. He spent endless hours in silence and prayer. He showed fidelity to his mission. He was zealous in preaching and in popular missions. He spread the devotion to our Lady. It was the first half of November 1860 that he encountered the Church in a vision as an ideal, but more than that even, it had been offered to him as the supreme and final object of his love. This mystical experience changed him decisively. God showed it to him clearly and he was resolved to carry out the mission. In the last phase of his life, he knew that he was called to be a father and he began organizing various groups of men and women. At present, two congregations continue to live faithfully the charism of Blessed Francisco Palau namely the Carmelite Missionary Teresiana (CMT) and Carmelite Missionaries (CM). He died on March 20, 1872.

Sources: ocarm.org | cmsphil.blogspot.com