Dolores de San José Llorach Esteller was born in Roquetes (Tarragona) in 1849 and joined the Society at the age of 27. She is remembered as the first nun of the Society, which places her in a unique place in the founding history.
From the beginning, she actively participated in the organization of the nascent community, contributing to give concrete form to the project that Enrique de Ossó was promoting. Her figure appears closely united to that of Our Father, who professed an intimate affection for her, affectionately calling her "mi delgadita", in allusion to her fragile complexion.
However, beyond her physical weakness, Dolores stood out for her spiritual depth and apostolic zeal. In fact, she was the only one of the foundresses who made a special vow to "save as many souls as possible," reserved for those who showed a special missionary dedication.
Her life reflects the spirit necessary for good beginnings: total dedication, confidence in the charism received and a faith capable of sustaining the first steps of a work that was born in the midst of difficulties, but with great fruitfulness.
"According to the words of D. Enrique, Dolores Llorach, "the foundress", possessed lucidity of judgment and ease of speech, a simple, serene appearance. She was patient, zealous for the salvation of souls. She was a person of "weight" and experience. Being a woman of great interior and profound capacity, she intuited the internal situation of others. The sensitivity and resonance that the different situations had in her, allowed her to act adequately in the different realities, although, sometimes, she also magnified them causing her fears that were translated in being too sentimental and tight, "to entertain herself in hunting lizards". This defect, which Enrique de Ossó related to a lack of humility, he warned her of throughout her life. The Founder, in his letters, encouraged her to live two virtues: humility and fortitude". (Hª de Compañía, volume I)
Josefa Teresa Audí Bonet, born in Tortosa (Tarragona) in 1856, entered the Society when she was only 20 years old. She represents another equally essential way of living the Teresian vocation: humble and constant service.
In the first community, she was the cook and was considered the first "sister helper" according to the first Constitutions. Her contribution, although less visible, was essential to the daily life of the founding group.
Despite not having received academic training as a teacher, she assumed various responsibilities within the community, even participating in local government in some houses. This fact highlights the trust placed in her and her ability to respond faithfully to the needs of the Institute.
Enrique de Ossó showed a special interest in her formation, encouraging her to fully develop her abilities in the tasks entrusted to her. Her life is a testimony of how the Teresian charism is also incarnated in the simple, in the everyday, in the silent work that sustains the mission.
"She stood out for being a clear, simple, self-sacrificing, hardworking woman. She worked humbly and discreetly all her life. She was strong in difficulties and suffering. She loved the Company extraordinarily. She was the first assistant sister, but because she was a Foundress, she was called "Doña" Josefa and when she made her perpetual profession, she did not receive the silver ring of the assistants, but the gold ring like the teachers". (History of the Company, Volume I)
Dolores Llorach and Teresa Audí represent two complementary ways of living the founding spirit:intense apostolic dedication and humble and faithful service. Both, along with the rest of the first Teresians, were true pillars in the beginnings of the Society, embodying Henry's desire to "make Jesus known and loved" in his time.
You can read Enrique's letters to Dolores Llorach and Teresa Audí here.
If you want to know more, you can watch the videos prepared by CIEST about these founders:
Sister Dolores Llorach the 1st STJ
Sr. JosefaTeresa Audí, Stj # 2. Presented by: Sr. Josefina Bautista Stj
