The youngest of six children, Genoveva Torres Morales was born in Almenara, Castille, Spain, on January 3, 1870. Genoveva was left to take care of the house and her brother, José when her parents and four of her siblings passed away when she was eight years old. José was demanding and reserved, even though he treated her with respect. Genoveva, who had been denied love and company since childhood, grew accustomed to being alone.

When she was ten years old, she developed a particular interest in reading spiritual literature. During this quest, she discovered that fulfilling God's plan is the ultimate source of happiness, which is why we were all made. She adopted this as her guiding principle for life.

Genoveva's left leg had to be amputated when she was 13 years old to prevent gangrene from spreading. The amputation was performed at home, and the agony was intense due to insufficient anesthetic. She had to use crutches since her leg hurt and made her ill all of her life.

She resided at the Carmelites of Charity's Mercy Home from 1885 to 1894. The young Genoveva developed her sewing abilities and deepened her life of piety during her nine years of living with the sisters and other young people. During these years, Fr Carlos Ferrís, a diocesan priest and future Jesuit who founded a leprosarium in Fontilles, guided her spiritual and apostolic journey. Genoveva also received the gift of "spiritual liberty" from God, which she would strive to practice all her life.

Genoveva reportedly wanted to join the Carmelites of Charity, but her physical condition apparently prevented her from being admitted. She yearned to be dedicated to God and remained receptive to his guidance because she was determined and persistent.

Genoveva moved out of the Carmelites of Charity's house in 1894 to live temporarily with two ladies who were self-sufficient via their own labor. They "shared" the poverty and loneliness together.

Canon Barbarrós proposed that Genoveva start a new religious community in 1911, pointing out that many impoverished women suffered greatly since they were unable to support themselves. Genoveva had considered establishing a religious organization for years that would focus exclusively on providing for the needs of these ladies because she was unaware of anyone doing so.

Fr. Martín Sánchez, S.J., and Canon Barbarrós helped to form the first community in Valencia. Other women soon followed, hoping to partake in the same spiritual and apostolic life. Despite several issues and challenges, new communities were soon founded in different regions of Spain.

Mother Genoveva's participation in outside activities and the new foundations was a continual cause of pain. She embraced her calling as God's plan and did not let her internal or physical suffering deter her from pursuing her desire to return to her typical interior seclusion and stay alone with the Lord.

She would respond with: "Even if I must suffer greatly, thanks be to God's mercy, I will not lack courage".

In addition to her amazing sense of humor—she would even make jokes about her medical ailments—she was well-known for being compassionate and approachable.

Pontifical approbation was granted to the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Angels in 1953. On January 5, 1956, Mother Genoveva passed away. On January 29, 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified her and on 4 May 2003, she was canonized by Pope John Paul II.

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