COÍNTA JÁUREGUI OSÉS, odn
The power of love and truth
1875-1954
The power of love and truth was the key to her life,to her work of evangelizationand her commitment to a Christian humanist education that is so necessary in our world.
The Church, in the person of Pope Francis, onJanuary 22, 2015,has recognized the "heroic virtues" of CoíntaJáureguiOsés, declaring her “Venerable.” She is a Spanish religious of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady
Early childhood (1875-1888)
Her first educators were her grandmother, her mother and the Daughters of Charity, who ran the only existing school in Falces, Spain, the village where she was born. She learned to read and write and received Christian formation.
In order to complete her education, at the age of 14 her parents sent her as a boarder to the Company of Mary School (“Enseñanza”) in Tudela. Although it was initially hard to adjust, she soon felt comfortable with the sisters and her companions, and she took a liking to classes, study and spiritual formation.
Youth (1889-1892)
In the school of the Order of the Company of Mary inTudela, Spain, she matured and her religious vocation blossomed.
Two years after completing high school she entered the novitiate
From a young age she showed great talent as an educator and demonstrated sensitivitytowards those in greatest need. She alwaysmanifested a strong missionary vocation, as well.
Religious (1893-1899)
On October 18, 1893,she entered the novitiate inTudela where she made her first vows and began her work as an educator.
She remained in Tudela until 1899, working actively in the life of the community and dedicatingherself to the mission of education in the school.
Foundress(1899- 1939)
In 1899 she was missioned to establish the School of Talavera de la Reina (Toledo).
She was director of the school, treasurer and superior of the community. Throughout these years, both religious and students were able to witnessher qualities and virtues. Her humility, prudence, generosity, kindness, availability, strength and search for truthwere outstanding. She was a woman of prayer. She desired and prayed for the grace to live daily“attentiveness in charity.”
In 1931 she went to Limoges, France to become familiar with the experience of this community that had survived political instability and religious persecution. Upon her return she got to know the communities in Orduña and San Sebastián, Spain.Here too she was remembered for her humility and extraordinary charity.Back in Talavera in 1932 she was once again appointed superior of the community.
During wartime Spain, Cointa had to leave Talavera in 1936 together with the community. She was missioned to Badajoz where she founded a new school of the Order of the Company of Mary.
Last stage (1939-1954)
In 1939 she returned to Talavera with the challenge of reorganizing the community and the school.
Always in pursuit of God’s will, in June 1941, she moved to San Sebastian, her lastdestination. Here she lived and fulfilled her mission with the same simplicity and dedication that had always characterized her. She later saw the fruit of her correspondence with her former students.
She died on January 17, 1954, leaving a deep impression on everyone who knew her.
Her remains are now preserved in the crypt of the House of Tudela.
After her death
Many people wrote to the community of San Sebastian expressing the good Cointa had done throughout her life. The Cause for Beatification soon began, and in January 2015 the Church declared her Venerable.
"The greatest service to development, is a Christian humanismthat enkindles charity and takes its lead from truth, accepting both as a lasting gift from God.
Caritas in Veritate n. 78