Joseph Oriol was a 17th-century Spanish Catholic priest belonging to the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Born in Barcelona in 1650, he pursued theological studies at the local university, earning his doctorate in 1674 before his ordination in 1676. Throughout his ministry, he held a benefice at Santa Maria del Pi. He was widely recognized for his spiritual devotion and for seeking martyrdom through foreign missions. He is remembered as the Thaumaturgus of Barcelona due to reports of his miraculous healing abilities.
Life and ministry
After completing his theological studies, Oriol was ordained a priest in 1676. He served the community in Barcelona, specifically at the Santa Maria del Pi church. Driven by a desire for martyrdom, he looked toward foreign missions to fulfill his religious aspirations. He passed away in his home city on 23 March 1702 and was interred at Santa Maria del Pi.
Veneration and legacy
The priest was beatified by Pope Pius VII in 1808 and later canonized by Pope Pius X in 1909. He is recognized as a saint and a wonderworker within the Catholic tradition. His feast day is observed annually on 23 March. Because of his reputed ability to perform miracles, he earned the title Thaumaturgus of Barcelona.