The feast of Saint José Gregorio Hernández is observed on October 26

The Venezuelan physician José Gregorio Hernández was born on October 26, 1864, in Isnotú. He graduated from medical school in 1888 and later traveled to Paris on a government scholarship to further his training. Upon his return to Venezuela, he introduced scientific advancements such as the first chair of bacteriology in the Americas and the use of achromatic microscopes.

Hernández practiced medicine in the Andean region and was known for treating patients without charge if they lacked the resources to pay. He was canonized one year ago.