Blessed Amigonian Martyrs

Blessed Vincent Cabanes Badenes . Born in Torrent (Valencia) on February 25, 1908. Dress the Tertiary Capuchin habit in Godella (Valencia) on September 15, 1923 and March 12, 1932 he was ordained priest by Venerable Luis Amigo. Immediately began studies at the University of Valencia and the Institute for Criminal Studies. Specific exercises his ministry in Madrid Reform Schools and Amurrio (Álava). Alternate admirably study practices in the cabinet of psychology and spiritual direction of the fraternity. With children living parables of mercy with the joyful spirit of the Beatitudes. By late afternoon of August 27, 1936, some violently removed militiamen vicar house Amurrio (Álava) and move to Orduna (Vizcaya). They try to make him renounce. In the flat refusal of the religious turn to Amurrio. But forcing him out of the car and in the meadow of San Bartolome de Orduna, give him a cartload of shots, leaving him for dead. Mauled still manages to get to Don Epifanio Elejalde, who moved to Santo Hospital Orduna. The P. Vicente insistently asks a priest and a doctor. Given the seriousness, the wounded man was taken to the hospital of Basurto, Bilbao. In the early hours of Sunday September 30, 1936 dies but not before having confessed and granted forgiveness to his murderers. Vincent Cabanes religious character was gentle, sweet and extremely friendly. Achiever of his duties as a Christian and religious. He lived totally committed to the reform of lost youth, with lots of competition and a great zeal. Daily meditation of the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord placed his spirit to suffer martyrdom with the strength and courage of the Christian soldier.

 

Welcome Blessed Mary of Two Sisters (nee Jose Miguel Arahal). Born in Dos Hermanas (Seville) on June 17, 1887. Learn the first letters in the schoolhouses of the people and, at twelve, was going to have the Capuchin Tertiary Reform School San Hermenegildo, in his hometown. To be presented at the convent of Mount Sion of the Venerable Torrent Luis Amigo, it says, "Welcome to you, my son," and Welcome will henceforth his name in religion. The April 15, 1905 made his first religious profession and, six years later, issued his final vows. In the spring of 1920 he was ordained a priest. In the congregation of Capuchin Tertiary plays higher charges, master of novices, and vicar general counsel and finally general of the congregation from 1927-1932. During his generalship vocation promotion drives, supports the scientific training of religious and promotes the opening of the work to Latin America. The P. Welcome always tries to instill the devotions which he practiced, especially the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Sorrows, the Seraphic Father St. Francis and Sacred Heart of Jesus. When the July 20, 1936 Reform School Santa Rita de Madrid is assaulted, Fr Welcome continues his habit and is the last to leave. On 31 July, accompanied by two militia force, had to go to the Bank of Biscay first, then that of Spain, to take the funds of the School. Then snatch the money and violently driven Pradera de San Isidro, there was killed. His biographers trace the profile of the P. Welcome as a religious right spirit and strong, demanding of himself and others, adorned with large gifts of government, very tenacious in their apostolic purposes, very fond of the congregation and its juvenile rehabilitation work, a great promoter of vocations priesthood and religious life, and a deep spirituality.

 

Torrent Ambrosio Blessed Mary (nee, Salvador Chuliá Ferrandis). Born in Torrent (Valencia) on April 16, 1866. He studied in the Seminary Church of Valencia, but received the diaconate, he entered the Capuchin Tertiary. On April 4, 1892 he was ordained priest and issues its perpetual vows on July 5, 1898. Man of wide culture, but rather weak character and weak authority, is always manifested more inclined to exercise obedience to the command. In his pastoral ministry was manifested as a man of counsel, spiritual leader of the brotherhood, religious confessor and students. Imprisoned in the parental home, on August 21, 1936 is taken to the prison La Torre, his hometown. In the same Father Ambrose, Capuchin Tertiary nine more, carry virtually community life. From the street you could hear them singing Sorrows of the Virgin and the Wounds of P. San Francisco. In the early hours of September 18, 1936, with seven more priests and religious, is executed in the starting of the mantellina , also called Geez d'Alt . The P. Ambrosio, despite her shyness, is the one with greater courage arrostra encourages martyrdom and raising peers in the final moment, his hands to bless and forgive the perpetrators. In trying to delineate its outline the diverse spiritual biographers agree that the P. Franciscan was Ambrosio joins florecilla: simple, humble, conciliatory, poor, obedient, silent, taciturn, who spoke no ill of anyone and that all missed a good part. Also define it as a man of deep piety, devoted to the Eucharist, great apostle of the confessional and competent spiritual director. His remains lie in the Chapel of the Martyrs, in the parish of Our Lady of Mount Zion in Torrent.

 

Benito Blessed Mary of Burriana (nee, José Manuel Ferrer Jorda), is the brother of father of Blessed Laureano. Born in Burriana (Castellón) on November 26, 1872. In his home town learns the first letters and participate in parish associations. The June 21, 1890 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Tertiary, and two years later, on May 27, made his religious profession. On June 5, 1898 issued her final vows, remaining as a religious Brother. In reforming schools Madrid, Seville and Zaragoza, for twenty long years, developing its youth ministry deviated from the path of truth and good, following the thought of his Venerable P. Founder. In the summer of 1932 became part of the College fraternity Caldeiro Foundation, Madrid, where he surprised the war. Expelled from the center, which immediately was transformed into Czech, Fray Benito seeks refuge in his hometown. came to His own, and His own did not receive him, why his steps to Torrent, host finding, along with his brother Laureano , home of the pious lady Trinidad Navarro. "From Fray Benito Maria de Burriana-type lady will tell you that he came home on 14 1936 sold out and went to jail the following September 14. This holy man, in all the time, not talk or a dozen words. His conversation was with the Queen of Heaven. On September 12, the feast of Holy Name of Mary, Rosary prayed nineteen parts. " Fray Benito was not involved in politics, he did not trial. He was killed in the farmhouse of Calabarra of Alzira (Valencia). It was a simple religious, austere, speech brief and very devoted to the Eucharist and Our Lady of Sorrows. In the apostolate of the specific mission of the congregation was always simple and kind Good Shepherd Swain. More changes getting his guys on the testimony of the person that gave them lessons.

 

Blessed Crescentius Garcia Pobo . He was born on April 15, 1903 in Celadas (Teruel). Deceased his good father, he is admitted to the Asylum St. Nicholas of Bari, in Teruel, run by the Capuchin Tertiary. In time, Crescendo feel the Lord's call to religious life. The September 15, 1921 issued his first vows as a religious Amigonian-six years later professes ever. The priestly ordination is taking over the Venerable Luis Amigo, its Founding Father, in Godella (Valencia) on September 16, 1928. His priestly ministry usually develops what reform schools, putting into practice the Lord's command to go after the lost sheep to return to the fold of the Good Shepherd. The first days of July 1936 House Guardianship returns Our Lady of Covadonga in Asturias, Prince Reformatory in Carabanchel Bajo, Madrid, in whose center was surprised a few days after the Spanish civil war. After several adventures, the P. Crescendo is host pious pension Dona Pilar Torres at Angel Square 3, Madrid, where he poses as a medical student. Arrested on August 2, 1936 Carretas street, and found no documentation was taken to the Security Directorate first, and then Sales jail. On 3 October, the Czech Development gave an order to have them delivered to their agents several prisoners, including our blessed, who immediately were shot near the Eastern Cemetery. The P. Crescendo was of medium height, round face, dark, young man. Of a happy, was shown as outgoing. However, inside was simple, humble, mortified and good religious. Spirit organized and methodical, especially distinguished by its generous and sacrificed to personal recovery and social reintegration of young people with problems.

 

Torrent Modesto Blessed Mary (nee, Wattle Gay Vicente). Born in Torrent (Valencia) on January 19, 1885. His parents, and then he, belong to the Venerable Third Order of St. Francis. The young Vincent studied at the Convent in which religious Amigonian admitted as the January 6, 1903. And possibly on the same date, but in 1911, issued his final vows. Repeatedly insists to his superiors in access to the priesthood, but stay on for life as a lay brother. The first ten years of religious exercises his ministry in centers dedicated to the specific task of recovering the lost youth, where masonry alternating with attention to the young applicants. And the last twenty years of religious life passes in the convent of Our Lady of Mount Zion, in his hometown, where he combines teaching admirably the first letters children to the service of household management. Fray Modesto was average height, a little plump, with a round face, brown. Between days eight y September 10, 1936 he was arrested and detained in the town jail, La Torre, where late at night the next 17 departed for martyrdom with seven other priests and religious, all of which killed 18 September 1936. His remains, and those of other religious, rest in the Chapel of the Martyrs, of the parish of Our Lady of Mount Zion, Torrent (Valencia). Those who knew well to delineate their profile Fray Modesto moral religious saying that was distinguished by his upright character and his Franciscan spirit, lover of simplicity and humility, and very delicate on the flyleaf of obedience, poverty alongside exquisite. And certainly virtue Franciscan obedience feature was accompanied by his industry and interest to excel personally and to be helpful to the congregation.

 

Blessed Urban Gil Saez . Born in Bronchales, diocese and province of Teruel Albarracin, on March 9, 1901. By staying fatherless soon, are admitted to the Asylum St. Nicholas of Bari, in Teruel, run by the Capuchin Tertiary. And St. Nicholas makes his primary and received first communion. Inclined to religious life, goes to the house of St. Joseph Novitiate Godella, Valencia, where he received the holy habit. Delivers his first religious vows on April 12, 1919 and in 1928 professes ever. Makes his debut with the children of the School Reform Savior, Amurrio (Álava). Your life can be read and interpreted perfectly, according to one biographer-low key evangelical compassion. It was one of those religious Amigonians always willing to become all things to all, according to the motto of the apostle Paul that the Venerable Luis Amigo liked to repeat. In 1926 pursuing a request to start studying for the priesthood, which was denied by the major superiors until 1935 when it became part of the brotherhood of the novitiate house Godella (Valencia), where he began his ecclesiastical studies. While in the latter war ensues residence Urban Fray shared across the fate and suffering of fraternity brothers. Finally, after an ordeal of interrogation and simulations squad, July 25, 1936 for Benaguacil part with Blessed Florentino Perez, who share avatars, shelter and martyrdom August 23, 1936. Biographers, so sparing in its spiritual character outline, we say it was an exemplary religious. By his cheerfulness was the joy of brotherhood where he lived and educated students. His joy contagious spontaneous and sincere. Its good that gave it a special charm.

 

Alboraya Blessed Dominic Mary (nee Augustine Hurtado Soler). Born in Alboraya (Valencia) on August 28, 1872, from a wealthy family, which enjoys great esteem in the village. He studied primary and secondary schools in the neighboring city of Valencia, and later Latin and philosophy at the Theological Seminary. Just founded the congregation of Capuchin Tertiary, go to the old monastery of Ara Christi Puig (Valencia), in which dwelt the religious Amigonians occasionally. In the third investiture, on June 21, 1889, took the habit, and June 24, 1890 is one of the first 19 religious issues its triennial vows in the hands of the founder Venerable Luis Amigo. The August 15, 1896 issued her final vows and a few months later, he was ordained priest. During his career alternating ecclesiastical and literary studies with harmony and composition, since it is very fond of music. Religious highly competitive and adorned with good social forms, played repeatedly higher charges, as well as a director and secretary general. In late 1935 became part of the School Reform Santa Rita, in the Carabancheles Madrid, where he suffers religious persecution. The P. Domingo was the first to drop out of school reform at home seeking refuge pious Pastor lawyer, young man who had helped him so much. Arrested and imprisoned for Fine Arts, August 15, 1936 was killed near the Retiro Park. The P. Domingo was tall and handsome. Patriarchal aspect. He had a great way with people and a special charisma to reform lost youth. Great composer, great speaker, host of community recreations, example of resignation to all martyr of Christ, according to his biographers.

 

Torrent Blessed Mary Valentine (nee, Jaunzarás Vicente Gómez). Born in Torrent (Valencia) on March 6, 1896. Educated to Tertiary Capuchin enters his congregation on October 15, 1911. Eight years later issued his final vows and was ordained priest in the first half of 1920. He exercises his ministry preferably specific mission centers, ie, reform schools, where it manifests as a great teacher. The P. Valentin, rather short, but sturdy and strong personality, fiery temper was. It manifested cheerful, talkative, optimistic and was always happy. The 28 or August 29, 1936 is held in the family home and held in the prison called La Torre, his hometown. On 15 and 17 September the monks sing in prison Sorrows of the Virgin and the Wounds of P. San Francisco. "Al P. Valentin could be heard across the square perfectly. " The P. Valentine is running on the Source of mantellina, in the early hours of September 18, 1936. Somewhat stern in appearance, but their preaching was simple and appealing. And he was very devoted to the Eucharist, the Virgin of Sorrows and P. San Francisco. Fully identified with the redemptive and merciful attitude of the Good Shepherd, played a large mission in the service of youth. There was always zealous for the glory of God and his love for the Church and the congregation, especially in his ministry of lost youth reform. Contagious his vocation to the children, who was excited with fervorines. He was also humble and simple religion, and was molt valent (was very brave).

 

Blessed Mary of Burriana Laureano (nee, Salvador Ferrer Cardet). Born in Burriana (Castellón) on October 13, 1884. Learn the first letters in the home village, and already at the age of eleven, following the example of his older brother, Blessed Benito Maria de Burriana, enters school seraphic the Tertiary Capuchins have installed in the convent of Mount Sion, of Torrent (Valencia). On December 8, 1900 issued his first vows and the April 12, 1907 the perpetual, was ordained a priest in September of that year in Valencia. He exercised his priestly ministry at the Royal Monastery of Yuste (Cáceres), School Reform Santa Rita (Madrid), in Teruel, in Dos Hermanas (Seville) and, finally, in Godella (Valencia), generally carrying the ministry superior, position that simultaneously with the general counsel. In war Godella surprised, and July 25, 1936 have to leave the convent, finding host pious Torrent, at Dona Trinidad Moreno. The days preceding his martyrdom employed them in prayer and preparation to it. When Ms. Trinidad said to him: "Father, you do not remember the red ', he replied:" Do not worry, it's not when the time comes. I'm preparing myself reading the book of Job. " Never entered politics. On September 13, was arrested with his brother Benito and taken to the town jail. Day 15 still sang with the other brothers of the Virgin of Sorrows. And the evening of the same day he was taken to the farmhouse of Calabarra, in terms of Alzira (Valencia), where he was killed on the morning of the 16th. The P. Laureano was of medium height, bald and early age of little beard, sparse, and pockmarked. Accommodating and friendly nature, his great goodness it surpassed everything. Notable for its delicacy and neatness, displayed a special gift in her delicate attentions to the poor, sick and needy. He said also great zeal for the expansion of the institute and a pious devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.

 

Blessed Mary of Alacuás León (nee Manuel Legua Martí). Alacuás born, the garden village south of Valencia, on April 23, 1875. Make the first studies in his hometown, but being the son of a benefactor of the religious, a child becomes familiar with the monks of the convent of Torrent, whose congregation enters its just turned fifteen. The June 17, 1892 issued his religious vows in the hands of the Venerable Father Founder. A serious illness away from his brothers would, but again enters and perpetually professed April 12, 1904. In June 1906 he was ordained priest in Valencia. Aimed generally Reform schools in these exercises his ministry, first as vice-superior, and then as superior and general counsel. It's all an example of faithfulness in his service as spiritual director and animator of fraternities, as well as dedication to a lost youth from the path of truth and goodness. Assaulted Reform School Santa Rita de Madrid (which Father Leo was director) on July 20, 1936, the militia gathered all the religious center address. 'We did,' says one of the religious-an act of contrition collective absolution we found each other. There was a deep silence. We were all quiet. Not a single groan or sigh. Not a single act of trying to escape. " Achieved release, the P. Lion takes refuge in Madrid, at the home of a student of the School Reform, which is taken together with the father of her benefactor, for martyrdom. Leaving tells the lady of the house: "Take this handkerchief." To which a militiaman replied: "Do not worry that you're going to need." Both were killed on the road from Madrid to France on September 26, 1936. It was Fr Lion of a religious highly spiritual, totally devoted to the salvation of lost children, so he can be considered a martyr of specific apostolate of the Congregation, in imitation of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.

 

Blessed Francisco Maria de Torrent (nee, Just Lerma Martinez). Born in Torrent (Valencia) on November 12, 1886. His parents belonged to the Franciscan Venerable Third Order. Frequent small catechism classes and Convent, and belongs to the Royal Pious Union of St. Anthony of Padua. And in the Convent wears the habit Amigonian the April 14, 1905, and two years later issued his first vows as a religious Brother, Brother Francis never expressed a desire to enter the priesthood. In the Royal Monastery of Yuste, Cáceres, exercises his ministry the first five years of religious life, and the remaining twenty Caldeiro College Foundation, Madrid, whose fraternity civil war surprised. Fray Francisco was adorned with some unusual pedagogical skills for teaching exercise. In so successful work not infrequently arrived at Foundation College professors Caldeiro commissions with the sole purpose of religious congratulate how well prepared students. Evicted the center and become Czech, Fray Francisco strikes out of his hometown, taking refuge in the parental home. Stopped by order of the local committee is led to the town jail, which will depart for martyrdom night from 17 to 18 October 1936, together with seven other people's religious and priests. In his early years as a boy was dark, lively and playful, very loving little noise and study and work. But, as religious, was changed into a young thoughtful, hardworking and methodical. It was also of few words, rather serious, steady and skilled teacher. His spiritual profile shows him as a deeply religious prayer, tireless worker, attentive to everyone, simple and humble, who enjoyed great inner peace.

 

Torrent Reccared Blessed Mary (nee Jose Maria llopez Mora). Born in Torrent (Valencia) on August 22, 1874. His early studies were carried out in the village school, and enter as a religious Amigonian the June 21, 1889. Emits vows on day of the Immaculate, 1896 in Reform School Santa Rita, Madrid. Stay in religion as a lay brother. His apostolate merciful and redeeming the lost youth in various reform schools. In the ministry shows possess uncommon natural endowments for the education of maladjusted youth. The last years of his life were spent in the convent of Our Lady of Mount Zion, in his hometown, tirelessly devoted to his ministry of teaching catechism to children, free evening schoolhouses found for them as charity. Her small figure, but agile and friendly old man, always surrounded by children, visiting the sick and imprisoned and schools bringing food to poor and humble, make your profile highly attractive and friendly. Expelled from the Convent of Torrent with every fraternity, July 20, 1936 was pious shelter with a niece, Mary llopez, until August 4 that is held in the town jail. At dawn on September 18, together with Fr Ambrosio and P. Valentine, Modesto and Fr Fr Francisco, is killed at a place called The Fountain of mantellina, in term of Monserrat, bordering the Torrent. The spiritual profile of Fr Reccared presents it as a simple, humble, friendly, kind and very Franciscan. It has a great spirit of minority and was characterized as a religious pious rezador very observant in their religious and hardworking in his ministry with young people. Fray is a real little flower Reccared Franciscan convent of Our Lady of Mount Zion in Torrent.

 

Blessed Joseph Llosa Balaguer . He was born on August 23, 1901 in Benaguacil (Valencia). Learn the first letters in his hometown and at the age of twelve, he entered the minor seminary that Capuchin Tertiary They run in the convent of Our Lady of Mount Zion in Torrent. In the novitiate house in San Jose, Godella (Valencia) takes the habit on October 15, 1917. And two years later, on the same date, issued his first religious vows. Perpetually professed September 15, 1925. Studies concluded priesthood and was ordained deacon in 1928, but, not considered worthy for the priesthood, never agreed to the priesthood, always ministering in Madrid, whose fraternity Foundation House Caldeiro surprised religious persecution. Provided the corresponding pass, Fray José Llosa moved to Meliana first as his hometown after, but before the uncertainty of the moment, go for refuge in a mansion Velluters Valencia, located very close to Torres de Quart. On the night of October 1, 1936 he was arrested and taken to Civil Government first, and then held in the prison cell of the city. Casually aware that the next day would come for him to kill him, used the evening of that day to talk to a priest, also a prisoner, spiritual things and confession, stating their acceptance of martyrdom, his forgiveness of enemies and large devotion to Jesus and Mary. At dawn on October 7, 1936 was taken from prison and executed in the municipality of his hometown. His remains lie in the Chapel of the Communion of Benaguacil. Of temperament somewhat shy and timid, but very well endowed by nature for the art of music and song, Brother José Llosa received a thorough education cultural, religious and moral. It was a cultivated and sensitive religious, lover of his land and his family, very friendly and with great spirit of giving in his ministry of lost youth reform.

 

Blessed Bernardino María Andújar (nee, Pablo Martínez Robles). Born in Andújar (Jaén) on January 28, 1879. Just attended the local school because their parents, low-income, very soon engaged in the trade of saddler, alternating with agricultural work. He moved to Córdoba and soon became friends with the manager of the Hermits of Sierra Morena, with whom begins the novitiate. But, seeing that this was not his calling, he moved to the Royal Monastery of Yuste, Cáceres, run at the time by the Tertiary Capuchin religious, between those who took the habit, made his novitiate, and issued his first vows on April 15 1909. In 1915 the same date perpetually professed. The twenty years following the passing in reform schools Madrid, Seville and Zaragoza working faithfully in the chores of cooking, and nursing field. His last residence was the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Zion, Torrent, which is handling his job as sexton of the church and where religious persecution surprised. Find pious host this population, but the August 13, 1936 he was arrested and detained in the town jail, where he is taken, with Fr Maria Laureano Burriana and brother Fray Benito Maria de Burriana, and killed the three in the farmhouse of Calabarra of Alzira (Valencia), the night of 15 September 16, 1936. Fray Bernardino was short, plump meats, quiet character, cozy, and with his wit Andalusian naturally not without the grace of the people of the south. It was the exact representation of the Franciscan more plump, always bearer of peace and prosperity exceed fraternal facilitated the convent. Noted for his intense prayer life, manifesting a particular devotion to the Eucharist, the Virgin of Sorrows and the Patriarch San Francisco.

 

Blessed Florentin Perez Romero . Born in Valdecuenca, people of the Serrania de Albarracin (Teruel), on March 14, 1902. Fatherless, are admitted to the Asylum St. Nicholas of Bari, Teruel, run by the Capuchin Tertiary religious. With them learn the alphabet, received his first communion and performs all his studies. As a child shows available for music, dedication to study and inclination to prayer. The September 15, 1919 saw the religious habit and two years later, the day of the Virgin of Sorrows, issued his first religious vows. Perpetually professed in 1927. The following year he was ordained priest by the founder, Venerable Luis Amigo. The P. Florentin begins his priestly ministry in reform school Our Lady of the Way, in Pamplona (Navarra), going to school soon seraphic of San Antonio, in the same city. From 1930-1935 exercises his ministry in the convent of Our Lady of Mount Zion, as a music teacher and educator of children. The revolution will be amazed at the San Jose novitiate Godella (Valencia). One day, with parents Ayelo Francisco Antonio de Massamagrell and a novice again appeared before the firing militants prepared to die. Parents were given acquittal mutually and prepared for martyrdom. Saved life for once, finds refuge with a benefactor of Benaguacil, but eventually was arrested. Spend three days in the town jail. Finally, along with Gil Urban fray, is sacrificed on August 23, 1936 on the exit road of Pobla de Vallbona Liria. The P. Florentin, physically a bundle of branches, had a cheerful and kind, without bitterness or malice, and easily earned the sympathy of all. It was a simple spirit, pious child. It was sweet, kind and patient. From naive and innocent spirit, always professed great devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.

 

Benifayo Blessed Gabriel Mary (nee, José María Sanchis Mompó). Born in Benifayo (Valencia) on October 8, 1866. In his home town learns the first few letters and then exercising in the carpenter's trade, practiced until nearly twenty years when he decided to enter religion. The June 24, 1890 made his first religious profession in the hands of the Venerable Luis Amigo and August 15, 1896 issued his final vows. Called to serve the Lord from the first hour of the Congregation of Capuchin Tertiary, in his long life toured most of the houses thereof, generally synchronizing administrator ministry with the carpenter's trade. The last thirteen years of his life in the house passes Godella novitiate, Valencia, where he showed his skills as administrative assistant and skill in the treatment of wood. And that's where the race surprised. The July 25, 1936 the novitiate leaves turning to his hometown in search of safer place. Find pious host at his niece Florence Sanchis. On August 14 he was taken violently from her niece's home and held in the town jail. And before dawn on August 16, about two in the morning, along with five other priests, sons of the people, was slain in the departure of La Coma, near the Espioca Mas, and the end of Picassent (Valencia ). Gabriel was a religious Fray very affable, kind and helpful. Manifested also very pious. It was the image of the popular Franciscan brother. It was the humble religious, sociable, friendly and hardworking, which created fraternity. Silent male gentleness, always manifested a reverence Franciscan priests their brethren in religion.

 

Blessed Francisco Tomás Serer . He was born on October 11, 1911 in Alcalalí, town in the province of Alicante and of the diocese of Valencia. Learn the first letters in the village and, at age twelve, his parents take him to school Godella seraphic of the Capuchin Tertiary, where he studied Latin and humanities and made his novitiate. The September 15, 1928 issued his first religious vows and December 20, 1933, the perpetual. The May 24, 1934 receive the priesthood. The rest of his life dedicated to the service of youth lost in centers for the mission of the congregation. During the summer of 1935 made a study trip to France and Belgium to give scientific soundness teaching methods of the congregation, to the time you start a career in medicine at the Central University of Madrid. During 1936 religious persecution found refuge in Madrid, at the home of benefactors. There waits for the shelter his superior, Fr Welcome Maria de Dos Hermanas. Given the delay, and risking his life, gets the steps in your search. At dawn the next day, August 3, his body was found next to the walls of the Prince of Asturias Reformatory in Madrid. Filial love him to go in search of his superior, giving his life in the attempt, and he was a martyr of Christ. The P. Francisco was very stylish and rather thin and normal appearance. Sweet-natured and extremely friendly. He was very pious and in the village caused a print copy. It was an exquisitely good and intelligent religious, why superiors distinguished him. According to his biographers, he was very wise, spoke little and always successfully. The tone of his voice was soft and sweet. At the Institute he had placed great hopes. He was the youngest of the martyrs of the Family Amigonian.

 

Blessed Timothy Valero Perez . He was born on January 24, 1901 in Terriente diocese and province of Teruel Albarracin. Enter the Asylum young St. Nicholas of Bari, Teruel, as charitable asylum for poor children and orphans that is. And he courses in Latin and humanities and turns it Amigonian religious vocation. The September 15, 1917 saw the Tertiary Capuchin habit and entered the novitiate. On the same date, but two years later he made his first religious profession and, six years later, the life. The priestly ordination is taking over from his father and founder, Venerable Luis Amigo, in Godella (Valencia), the September 16, 1928. Develops his pastoral ministry in the House Caldeiro Foundation in Madrid. But most of his pastoral ministry is played in Reform School Santa Rita, also in Madrid, where he left an indelible mark on his service sacramentalization catechesis and youth astray. Particularly in the latter fraternity surprised religious persecution. Busy Reform School Santa Rita the July 20, 1936, religious scatter for shelter in Madrid. The P. Tim heads home of his brother Robert. Denounced by a neighbor, former employee of Santa Rita, militiamen searched the house, arrested him and took him to the Czech Development. On September 17 of that year, without there engaged in political and without trial, was executed and his body buried in a common grave in the cemetery of Vicálvaro (Madrid). The superiors had always intended to reform schools or paternal protection. And fully matched, as the P. Timothy was a young priest, of cheerful, jovial, jokester, easily connecting with youth. He was an excellent musician.

 

Blessed Rosary of Soano (nee, Petra Maria Victoria Quintana Argos). Born in Soano, delightful village of Cantabria, on May 13, 1866. At 13 he left motherless, so is the need to supply it in the care of her three younger siblings: Feliciana, John and Eleuterio. Very soon feel the vocation to the consecrated life to contact Montehano Capuchin convent in whom you put your trust. Meanwhile, his father remarries. Verging 23 years and he sets off to Valencia to join the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family. The May 14, 1891 issued his first religious vows and completed the five years of temporary vows perpetual. Woman of great value is first local elected superior height fraternities, Massamagrell, Meliana and L'Ollería, novice then, later, general counsel and then general superior for two presidential terms, from 1914-1926, finally concluding his days in the office of director and vicar general of the congregation. Fulfilling this last service surprised religious persecution in the fraternity house Massamagrell novitiate (Valencia). Expelled from the convent the sisters, was the last to leave the house on July 20, 1936, finding refuge in pious home to Carmen dels Mudets first, then the house of a poor widow. Snatched at gunpoint from his refuge, was transferred to the Union of Puteoli (Valencia) and, after two days, the August 22, 1936, after deep humiliation and insults, shot to death at the end of More Macia, in the Way of Transit, of that people. At the supreme moment of martyrdom murderer granted pardon to the delivery of your ring bride of Christ. Soano Rosary, woman of great goodness, merciful and compassionate, was soul deep prayer and austerity manifest. He was distinguished for his humility, poverty and simplicity of life truly Franciscan.

 

Blessed Francis Xavier of Rafelbuñol (nee Mary Fenollosa Alcaina). Born in Rafelbuñol (Valencia) on May 24, 1901. It is the largest of the twelve children of Joseph and Mary Rosa consorts, both belonging to the Third Order of St. Francis. Get the first instruction and intellectual Christian village school. And, just may, be put to work to help support the family of simple farmers, patriarchal. Directed by the Capuchins of La Magdalena in Massamagrell, she suddenly wakes up in a religious vocation. When Mary wants to join the mother religion opposes, as it has in it an aid in the many chores. And when to turn 21 years old, he entered the Capuchin Tertiary. The May 11, 1921 began her novitiate in Altura, Castellón, on the same date two years later issued his first religious vows, and in 1928, the perpetual. The short course of his religious life as perfection walks fraternities Height (Castellón), Meliana, Benaguacil and Massamagrell (Valencia), in the latter convent civil strife surprised. The July 20, 1936 the mayor of the town gives the order to leave the convent. Our Blessed finds shelter in the family home in Rafelbuñol. Located, is forced to make housework Abbey, where he had established the Committee. The September 27, 1936 is arrested, along with his brother José Canon and uncle Don Juan Bautista, and murdered in the cemetery of Gilet, Valencia. "May God forgive you and I forgive you," she heard him say who was about to give the coup de grace. A sister in religion and trace the semblance of Francisca: "She was a young religious, cheerful, jovial and good. A very nice brown, with black eyes that spoke. He was very sociable with people and with the girls that arouse plan was in religious vocations. Alternated much with everyone. He studied music and played piano. She sang beautifully and nice voice. "

 

Ochovi Beata Maria Serafina (nee Manuela Fernández Fair Ibero). Born in Ochovi, village Navarra Pamplona basin, on August 6, 1872. It is the penultimate in a family of eight children, four of whom wear the Franciscan cheesecloth. Daughter of a large family, patriarchal, attended the school in the town until fifteen years when religion enters. The May 8, 1887 he joined the Capuchin Tertiary, in the Sanctuary of Montiel (Benaguacil, Valencia), founding the Institute home. The May 14, 1891 issued his first religious vows, and after five years of temporary vows perpetual. In this time and is shown as pious religious, observant and very loving poverty. It is because, by nature, very formal, serious and responsible. In 1902 he was elected general counsel, a position for which he is re-elected in the five following general chapters. Compatible with that office know that of the fraternities on superior Segorbe Massamagrell, height, L'Ollería, Carcaixent, Valencia Seminar and again Massamagrell, whose fraternity war surprised. The July 26, 1936 the sisters had to leave the religious house. The last to do is Sister Serafina, superior of the fraternity, who found shelter at the home of Carmen dels Mudets in the church square. On August 21, Friday, was arrested and, with Rosary Sister Soano, both brought to the Committee of Puteoli. The night of the 22nd, drew the sisters Rosario and Seraphina to "give the prom" and the murdered. Sister Serafina was of a serious, steady, yet frank, without equivocation or fold. I knew his character combine seemingly dry with humility in dealing with the sisters. He was demanding to itself, charitable and humble, fervent lover of work, especially the more modest, and exemplary in fulfilling their religious obligations. He was, indeed, the genius soon, but it was very noble. It was a whole person, nice. Talking to her was affectionate and loving. It was all heart.

 

Beata Carmen Garcia Moyon . He was born on September 13, 1888 in the French city of Nantes, daughter of a Spanish father and French mother. Religiously educated, Carmen soon gives his true feelings samples Christians, who later defended with all his might. Woman heroic temperament and boundless loveliness, stir bravely boil inside feeling the wrath of God, like another St. John Eudes to a heretic, to defend their own rights and those of the church. In the early twentieth century García-Moyon family returned to Spain, settling in the town of Segorbe, Castellón. Surely by contact with young daughters Carmen Venerable Luis Amigo turns in her religious vocation. In fact, the January 11, 1918 he joined the congregation of Capuchin Tertiary, but having completed his temporary vows, not renewed. In 1926 the city are already in Torrent, Valencia. Immediately contact the friars of the convent of Mount Zion. Eventually the French girl, as he was known, is used in teaching catechism to the children of the convent, review the sacred clothes, cleaning the beautiful church, and even put a sewing workshop at home, where he taught the young torrentinas the art of sewing, mending and embroidery clothes. A true catechist, parish and social worker cooperative. His religious beliefs led him to suffer a violent death on the night of January 30, 1937 in the ravine Canyes them, municipality of Torrent: the doused in petrol and set alight. Viva Cristo Rey! were his last words. Those who knew Carmen tell us, humanly, was very loving and caring, physically, was short, plump, handsome and serene and penetrating gaze, and, morally, very religious and very pious. It was a true female leader of Christian thought.

 

***

 

The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed on April 14, 1931, came imbued with strong anticlericalism. Just a month later temples fires occurred in Madrid, Valencia, Malaga and other cities, without the government did nothing to stop them and not find those responsible to judge them according to law. The damage was immense, but the government did not noticed whether material or moral, for which he was accused of collusion. The Church in the Republic had complied not only with respect, but also a spirit of cooperation for the good of Spain. These were the instructions that Pope Pius XI and gave the Catholic bishops. But sectarian laws grew day by day. In this context it was suppressed the Society of Jesus and the Jesuits were expelled.

 

During the Communist Revolution of Asturias (October 1934), shed their blood many priests and religious, including the Ten Martyrs of Turon, 9 Brothers of the Christian Schools and Passionist canonized on November 21, 1999.

 

During the first half of 1936, after the victory of the Popular Front, made up of socialists, communists, and other radical groups, there were more severe attacks, with new fire temples, crosses demolitions, expulsions of priests, ban funerals and processions, etc.., and threats of more violence.

 

They broke with the rage, after July 18, 1936. Spain was again land of martyrs from that date until April 1, 1939, for in the Republican zone was triggered most known religious persecution in history from Roman times, even higher than that of the French Revolution.

 

It was a tragic and glorious three years at a time, that of 1936-1939, faithfully to remember not to miss the historic memory.

 

At the end of the persecution, the number of martyrs reached almost ten thousand: 13 bishops, 4,184 diocesan priests and seminarians, 2,365 religious, 283 nuns and lay several thousand, of either sex, members of Catholic Action and other apostolic associations , the final number is not yet possible to determine.

 

The most eloquent testimony of the prosecution gave Manuel de Irujo, republican government minister, at a meeting thereof held in Valencia-then-capital of the Republic, in early 1937, introduced the following Memorandum:

 

"The factual situation of the Church, from July, loyal throughout except Basque, is the following: a) All the altars, images and objects of worship, with very few exceptions, have been destroyed, the most with contempt. b) All churches have been closed for worship, which has been completely and utterly suspended. c) Much of the temples, in Catalonia as a matter of normal, were burned. d) The parks and government agencies were bells, chalices, candlesticks and other objects of worship, have been cast yet exploited for war or for industrial materials. e) In the churches have been installed deposits of all types, markets, garages, stables, barracks, shelters and various other modes of occupation. f) All have been evicted convents and religious life suspended in them. Its buildings, ceremonial objects and goods of all kinds were burned, looted, occupied and demolished. g) Priests and religious have been detained, imprisoned and executed without trial by thousands, facts that while amenguados continue further, not only in the rural population, where they have been hunted down and killed wild but in populations. Madrid and Barcelona and other major cities have hundreds of prisoners in its jails without other known cause your priest or religious character. h) It has come to the absolute prohibition of private retention of pictures and objects of worship. The home searches police practice, diving inside the rooms, from intimate personal or family life, ridicule and violence destroys images, prints, religious books and how it relates to worship or remember. "

 

To the priests, religious and lay people who gave their lives for God's people began to call them martyrs because they had no political involvement and made war against anyone. Therefore, they can not be considered fallen in wars or victims of ideological repression that occurred in the two areas, but martyrs for the faith. Yes, today venerate on the altars as martyrs for the Christian faith, because the Church has officially recognized who gave their lives for God during religious persecution in 1936.

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