By Maria Eugenia Biord - La Voz Catolica

WESTON | The main entrance of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Weston has been transformed into a gallery of faith. Above its arches, Venezuelan artist Eduardo “EDO” Sanabria has captured multiple dimensions of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, who will be canonized on October 19, 2025, by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

“This mural shows us the life of our saint as a path of service and faith,” said parishioner Ana Padrón, as she contemplated the various images, including the doctor, the scientist, the man of faith, the saint and the globetrotter. In each arch, the artist offers a different perspective, reminding us that holiness is also expressed through work, study and silent dedication to others.

Set against contrasting backgrounds, the six images “show colors so striking that they represent what we Venezuelans are, cheerful, unpretentious and vibrant,” Padrón said, adding “The man of faith” is the image that moves her the most because “it reflects what we need to achieve peace in our country.” Padrón also expressed her happiness about what this canonization means for Venezuelans.

The mural was created as an homage to St. José Gregorio Hernández, Sanabria said on social media, noting that more than 1,800 square feet of wall were painted over the course of more than a month. “This was only made possible thanks to the support of the entire parish community.”

He said he has spent “more than a decade studying the figure of José Gregorio Hernández from different angles. He is a symbol that multiplies, migrates and connects with who we are.”

A representative of contemporary pop art, Sanabria has distinguished himself by reinterpreting cultural icons and historical figures through a vibrant visual language. He defines himself as a “glocal” (a combination of “global” and “local”) artist who seeks an emotional bond with cultural roots.

The idea to create a mural “came from a parishioner who proposed commemorating the canonization of José Gregorio,” recalled Father Omar Ayubi, pastor of St. Katharine Drexel. He explained that the location was chosen after meeting with the artist, “with the idea to show the saint in his professional, cultural, and religious dimensions.”

The priest pointed out that the purpose of this work is to “present the life and work of the saint.” At the same time, it is an invitation to see, understand, and turn to the saints as models of faith and “appreciate why they intercede for us before God.”

The work was unveiled Sept. 19.

“For this community in South Florida, this mural is a sign from God — a reminder that He does not forget the suffering of His children, who have been scattered by exile under an oppressive regime,” Father Ayubi said. The parish also houses a first-class relic of the saint.

“This mural is proof of what Venezuelans can accomplish,” said parishioner Federico Wulff. As a Venezuelan, he expressed pride in offering “our knowledge and faith to this country.”

Wulff was struck by the image of “The globetrotter,” which shows the saint holding a passport, representing how difficult the last few years have been for his fellow Venezuelans.

For Domingo Santana, a parishioner of St. Katharine Drexel, “there’s no way the mural goes unnoticed,” as its visual impact is “pleasant and beautiful.”

“José Gregorio is a torrent of faith,” Santana remarked, adding that the saint increasingly draws devotees of various nationalities.

Rita Alsina, a native of Nicaragua, met Blessed José Gregorio Hernández more than 30 years ago. Amid her migration process, a Venezuelan neighbor gave her a prayer card and told her to pray to him. That’s how José Gregorio accompanied her to the appointment where she was granted asylum, and since then, she has prayed to him every day.

Alsina said she is very happy her parish has the mural because “it will allow devotion to this saint to grow, as it reflects his love and humility in serving others.”

Holiness transcends borders and “saints are universal, not belonging to one country or another,” added Alsina. She says she has passed on her faith to her family, “so that my children will always keep him in their prayers and he will intercede for them.”

 

FROM DOCTOR TO SAINT

José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros (1864-1919) was a Venezuelan doctor, scientist, and professor, known for his deep humanitarian vocation and dedication to those in greatest need. A lay Franciscan and devout Catholic, he combined his professional work with acts of charity and faith.

He was born in Isnotú, in the Venezuelan Andes. Hernández studied medicine in Caracas, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, and New York, specializing in infectious diseases, pathology, and therapeutic medicine.

From a young age, he felt a religious calling, but he decided to devote himself fully to medicine, convinced that he could serve God and others by caring for the sick.

After his sudden death in 1919, testimonies of miraculous interventions by the “Doctor of the Poor,” as he is known, began to multiply. His path to sainthood officially began in 1949, and popular devotion has kept his memory alive for decades.

Pope Francis recognized the first miracle attributed to his intercession in the healing of Yaxury Solórzano, a 10-year-old Venezuelan girl who was shot in the head. Her recovery, considered scientifically inexplicable, led to the beatification of José Gregorio Hernández on April 30, 2021, in Caracas.

On Feb. 24, 2025, Pope Francis approved his canonization not through the recognition of a second miracle, but through the equivalent canonization process, used when there is ancient and constant popular devotion, a reputation for holiness and miraculous intercession, and strong testimonies of heroic Christian virtues.

His liturgical feast is celebrated on Oct. 26, the date of his birth and that the Catholic Church established to honor his life and example of faith.