The a Catholic saint’s day remembers St. Joseph of Calasanz, an Aragonese priest and pedagogue who dedicated much of his life to facilitating access to education for the most disadvantaged children. His work made him a fundamental figure in teaching and the founder of the Pious Schools.
Each day, the liturgical calendar recovers the memory of men and women who left an important mark for their faith and their service to others. August 25 has a special link with Aragon thanks to San José de Calasanz, born in the Huesca town of Peralta de la Sal.
SAN JOSÉ DE CALASANZ
Saint Joseph of Calasanz was born in Peralta de la Sal, in the current province of Huesca, in 1557. After receiving religious and university training, he was ordained a priest and years later moved to Rome, where he learned about the difficulties that many children from humble families went through to access an education.
Convinced that education could transform their lives, he promoted a free school in Rome for the most disadvantaged children. His educational project grew until it gave rise to the Order of the Pious Schools, known as the Piarists, dedicated especially to the training and education of children and young people.
St. Joseph de Calasanz died in Rome in 1648 and was canonized by Pope Clement XIII in 1767. His educational legacy continues to be present in many countries and the Church celebrates his memory every August 25, remembering especially his commitment to education accessible to all.
WHY ARE SAINTS CELEBRATED?
The Christian saint’s day has its origin in the tradition of remembering the saints and blesseds recognized by the Church every day. These commemorations value the life and testimony of people who stood out for their faith and for the example they left throughout their lives.
With the passage of time, the celebration of saints was also linked to the name day, so that many people celebrate their saint on the day on which the Church remembers the saint from whom they received their name. This custom is still deeply rooted in many countries with a Christian tradition.
