Venezuelan Santo José Gregorio Hernández Book Separates Him from Sorcerers and Santeros
Table of Contents
- Colombian Author Seeks to Restore Image of Venezuelan Saint
- Colombian Author Seeks too Restore Image of Venezuelan Saint: A Q&A
- Who is Dr. José Gregorio Hernández?
- What is the Controversy Surrounding Dr. Hernández?
- What is Celmira Zuluaga’s Book About?
- what is the Canonization Process in the Catholic Church?
- What Miracles Were Required for Canonization?
- Who is Celmira Zuluaga?
- What are Zuluaga’s Hopes for Her Research?
- Timeline of Key Events
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (EFE) – Colombian author Celmira Zuluaga presented her new book, “San José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros. Hidden Truths,” at the Bogotá International Book Fair (Filbo) on Sunday,April 27,2025. Zuluaga said the book aims to rehabilitate the reputation of the Venezuelan saint, whose image she claims is being exploited.
Zuluaga, also known for her works “The Medium of the Venerable” and “A Doctor from Beyond,” told EFE her motivation was to “clean the image of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, becuase there are many sorcerers and santeros who use his name and image to cheat and play wiht the faith of the people.”
Saint’s Image Exploited
José gregorio Hernández, a figure widely revered in Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American nations, had his canonization approved by Pope Francis on Feb.25. Though,Zuluaga contends that his image is being misused by santeros and purported healers who offer remedies to various problems thru public advertisements.
40 Years of Research
Published by Black Oveja, “San José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros. Hidden Truths,” represents the culmination of over 40 years of Zuluaga’s research into the life of hernández. Born in Isnotu, a small town in the Venezuelan state of Trujillo, Hernández died in Caracas in 1919.
Zuluaga hopes her extensive research will contribute to the advancement of other canonization processes within the Vatican.
“I consider that my research, writing and cinema work…can help other blessed to be canonized and, in addition, so that people understand what the process is like,” she said, referring to materials she has submitted to the curia.
Path to Sainthood
Zuluaga detailed the steps Hernández underwent on his path to sainthood: Pope Paul VI declared him a Servant of God, John Paul II named him Venerable, and Pope Francis ultimately recognized him as both Blessed and Saint.
“dr. José Gregorio…is already holy. The decree is already signed, the study is approved, there is the Mass to celebrate that canonization,” Zuluaga stated.
Miracles Required
The Catholic Church mandates the verification of two miracles, one for beatification and another for canonization.
José Gregorio Hernández’s beatification was prompted by the recognition of a miracle involving Yaxury Solórzano Ortega. In 2017, Ortega was shot in the head during an assault. Doctors initially believed she would not survive.
According to family accounts,supported by the vatican,Ortega’s mother prayed to José Gregorio for her daughter’s recovery,leading to her survival.
(Photo)
Who is Dr. José Gregorio Hernández?
Dr. José Gregorio Hernández is a highly revered figure, particularly in Venezuela, Colombia, and othre Latin American countries. He recently had his canonization approved by Pope Francis on February 25th.
What is the Controversy Surrounding Dr. Hernández?
According to Colombian author Celmira Zuluaga,the image of dr.Hernández is being exploited by santeros and purported healers who offer remedies, frequently enough thru public advertisements. Zuluaga aims to “clean the image,” as she states many use his name and image to play on people’s faith.
What is Celmira Zuluaga’s Book About?
- Title: “San José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros. Hidden Truths”
- Focus: It aims to rehabilitate the reputation of Dr.José Gregorio Hernández.
- Motivation: To counter the misuse of his image and name by others for fraudulent practices.
- Research: The book is the result of over 40 years of research.
what is the Canonization Process in the Catholic Church?
The process of becoming a saint in the Catholic Church involves several steps including:
- Servant of God: the initial stage of the process.
- venerable: Declared by the Pope after an inquiry into the person’s life and virtues.
- blessed: Beatification occurs after a miracle is attributed to the person’s intercession.
- Saint: Canonization, which requires a second verified miracle.
How Did José Gregorio Hernández Become a Saint?
The steps to sainthood for Dr. Hernández were:
- He was declared a Servant of God by Pope Paul VI.
- He was named venerable by john Paul II.
- Pope Francis ultimately recognized him as both Blessed and Saint.
What Miracles Were Required for Canonization?
The Catholic Church mandates the verification of TWO miracles for sainthood:
- One for beatification.
- Another for canonization.
What Miracle Led to Dr. Hernández’s Beatification?
Dr. José Gregorio Hernández’s beatification was attributed to the recovery of Yaxury Solórzano Ortega. She was believed to be near death after being shot in the head, but, according to family accounts supported by the Vatican, she survived after prayers to Dr. Hernández.
Who is Celmira Zuluaga?
Celmira Zuluaga is a Colombian author, known for her works “The Medium of the Venerable” and “A Doctor from Beyond.” Her current book is “San José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros.Hidden Truths”.
What are Zuluaga’s Hopes for Her Research?
Zuluaga hopes that her research will aid the advancement of other canonization processes within the Vatican, and contribute to people’s understanding of the canonization process.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1919 | Dr. José Gregorio Hernández died in Caracas. |
| 2017 | yaxury Solórzano Ortega, shot in the head, survives after prayers to José gregorio. |
| Feb. 25th, 2025 | Pope Francis approves the canonization of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández. |
| April 27th,2025 | Celmira Zuluaga presents her book. |