Life of St. Pedro Poveda
Welcome to the story of St. Pedro Poveda, the visionary founder whose life and mission continue to inspire the values we uphold at Saint Pedro Poveda College. A passionate educator and spiritual leader, St. Pedro Poveda dedicated his life to empowering individuals through education, with a special focus on the holistic development of each person. Learn more about his remarkable journey, his legacy, and the profound impact he has had on shaping our school's guiding principles.
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1874
Birth and Family
Pedro Poveda was born on December 3, 1874 in Linares, Spain. He was ordained priest in 1897 in Guadix. His first apostolic ministry was with the poor cave dwellers of Guadix. He organized livelihood programs for adults and established schools for children. He gave himself to the human and social advancement of the poor and marginalized people in the peripheries.
He was assigned as Canon at the Marian Sanctuary of Covadonga in Asturias, Spain. There, Pedro Poveda closely observed Spain's socio-political climate, realizing that true change required educated individuals—aware, free, and critically prepared to make the right decisions. His years in Covadonga were key to shaping his educational philosophy. "It was in Covadonga that I gave time to studying pedagogy in books and periodicals."
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From there, he developed an educational project and a way of acting within the Church. "We must show with deeds that science goes well with the holiness of life," he wrote. His mission was to unite faith with culture and knowledge. "We shall form men and women of virtue and knowledge who will educate and enlighten future generations."
1906
Canon in Covadonga
1911
First Academy
In 1911, Poveda proposed the idea of a Catholic Association of Teaching to provide human and Christian formation for teachers. He envisioned academies as centers with the "sparkle and joy" of ancient Athens, where aspiring teachers would be trained in new methodologies and foster bonds of solidarity.
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He initially set up a center in Gijón with male primary teachers, but the project failed. Undeterred, Poveda turned his focus to women, whose roles were starting to emerge at the turn of the century.
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He launched a program of Christian formation, scientific training, and educational updating for teachers, establishing the first Academia in Oviedo with women leading the way. The Academias grew, expanding to several cities in Spain. The key to their success was Poveda's philosophy of selecting a small, committed group dedicated to carrying out the "good idea."
The first Teresian members were a handful of women with enthusiasm that were both unbounded and contagious. This was the beginning of what later became the Teresian Association.
1918
Teresian Association
1936
"I am a priest of Jesus Christ."
When Civil War broke out, those who wished to dechristianize the schools identified him as an adversary. On July 28, 1936, he was martyred for his faith and for the cause of Christian Education.
Father Poveda was beatified on October 10, 1993, by Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica. His liturgical feast day is July 28th. He was a presbyter, founder, and martyr. The beatification process recognized his life and deeds, paving the way for possible canonization, signifying his status as a blessed individual within the Catholic Church.
1993
Beatification
2005
Canonization
Father Pedro Poveda was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 4, 2003, in Madrid. His canonization occurred alongside that of José Maria Rubio and Genoveva Torres, among others. Poveda's feast day is July 28th, the anniversary of his martyrdom. He is recognized as a saint within the Catholic Church.