February 26
Saint Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz
Nun, Foundress
(1799 – 1889)
“To save the family by teaching the children the holy fear of God.”
Saint Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz’s most ardent desire
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Paula Montal Fornés was born in Arenys de Mar, near Barcelona, Spain, on October 11, 1799. She was the eldest of five daughters to born to Ramon Montal and Vicenta Fornés, in her father’s second marriage. Paula was brought up in a modest Christian family atmosphere where she participated in the spiritual life of her parish. She stood out because of her love for the Virgin Mary.
Paula’s father died when she was only 10 years old. So, Paula had to go to work as a work as a lace-maker and as a seamstress to help her mother support the family. She also helped her mother raise her younger sisters. Paula extended this care to the other children in her parish.
Paula was disappointed that she could not attend school. She promised God that she would devote her life to the Christian education of girls and young women.
Started Her First School
In 1829, Paula desired to devote herself to God. So, that year, accompanied by her friend Inés Busquets, they opened a school in Figueras (Gerona), a border city between Spain and France, to provide an education and a spiritual education to all those who needed it most. At this location was where her special educational apostolate for girls began. A new charisma was born in the Church, an Apostolic Work aimed toward the complete human Christian education of girls and young women, and toward the advancement of women, to save families and transform society. Her followers would distinguish themselves by professing a fourth vow of teaching.
New Order Founded
The school became a quick success and she was able to establish a college in May 1842 in her hometown and another later in 1846 in Sabadell. After the third school was built, Paula was given permission from the pope in February 1847 to form an order of nuns who were committed to her work. The name Paula chose was the Daughters of Mary Religious of the Pious Schools. Paula assumed the religious name of “Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz”. The group made their profession into the hands of the Archbishop of Barcelona Pedro Martínez de San Martín who also issued diocesan approval to Paula’s new order. Her order received the papal decree of praise from Pope Pius IX later on May 9, 1860.
When the community gathered to elect a Mother Superior, Paula was not chosen. This was unusual because she had founded the order, but Paula was not upset. She saw it as a sign that God wanted her to continue to work closely with the girls in the Pious Schools.
7 More Schools Built
During the period from 1829 to 1859, Paula was intensely active, personally founding 7 schools: Figueras (1829), Arenys de Mar (1842), Sabadell (1846), Igualada (1849), Vendrell (1850), Masnou (1852) and Olesa de Montserrat (1959). She inspired and helped to found 4 others: Gerona (1853), Blanes (1854), Barcelona (1857) and Sóller (1857). She was also the formator of the first 130 Sisters of the Pious Schools of the Congregation.
Olesa de Montserrat – Her Last School
In 1859 near Barcelona, Spain in a small poor town called Olesa de Montserrat, Paula personally founded her last school at the foot of the Monastery of Our Lady of Montserrat, to whom she professed great devotion. It was her favorite School, where she stayed until her death (December 15, 1859 to February 26, 1889). Those were 30 years of grace for the girls and young women of Olesa, who benefited from her rich testimony with the example of her generous and holy life.
Her Death
At the age of 89, Paula died on February 26, 1889 in Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain.
The educational work of Saint Paula Montal Fornés de San José de Calasanz continues today in the Church, particularly through the more than 800 Sisters of the Pious Schools, spread out over 112 communities, who educate some 30,000 students, in 19 nations on four continents, for the development of women, so that the “civilization of love” may become a reality.
Born: October 11, 1799 in Arenys de Mars (near Barcelona), Spain
Died: February 26, 1889 age 89 in Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain
Beatified: April 18, 1993 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized: November 25, 2001 by Pope John Paul II
Feast Day: February 26
Patron Saint: Sisters of the Pious School; Teachers
Reflection
Saint Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz, born Paula Montal Fornés, devoted her life to the Christian education of girls—at a time when such work was not only rare, but often opposed. With courage rooted in faith and deep love for the Blessed Mother, she founded schools where young girls could grow in knowledge, dignity, and holiness. Her work was quiet but transformative. Through teaching and gentle presence, she helped form generations of women in truth and virtue, always placing Christ and Mary at the heart of learning. She reminds us that forming hearts and minds in the light of the Gospel is one of the most powerful acts of love.
How can I help nurture faith and dignity in the lives of the young people around me—whether as a teacher, parent, mentor, or friend?
Prayers
Saint Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz,
You heard the call to lift young hearts and minds to God through education, love, and holy example.
You gave dignity to the forgotten, hope to the poor, and light to every child entrusted to your care.
Teach us to cherish the young, to guide them with patience and wisdom, and to see in them the face of Christ.
Intercede for all educators, parents, and mentors, so that we may plant seeds of faith, and walk with others toward truth, freedom, and holiness.
Saint Paula of Saint Joseph Calasanz, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Saint of the Day: St. Paula of St. Joseph Calasanz
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz – Religious
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 26 February – St Paula Montal Fornés De San José De Calasanz (1799-1889)
Catholic Fire – St. Paula Montal Fornés
Catholic Ireland – Feb 26 – St Paula Montal (1799-1889)
Melanie Rigney – Paula Fornes de San Jose de Calasanz
Vatican – Canonization of 4 Blessed Homily by Pope John Paul II on November 25, 2001
Video Link
Saint Paula Montal – who is she?? – YouTube (divina Thevine Schp)