They gave their life for

Christ

Blessed Claretian Martyrsof Sigüenza, Fernán Caballero

and Tarragona

CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES

THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR CHRIST

23 BLESSED CLARETIAN MARTYRSof Sigüenza, Fernán Caballero y

Tarragona

José María Ruiz Cano,

Tomás Cordero Cordero, Jesús Aníbal Gómez Gómez,

Primitivo Berrocoso Maillo, Vicente Robles Gómez, Gabriel Barriopedro Tejedor, Claudio López

Martínez, Ángel López Martínez, Antonio Lasa Vidaurreta, Melecio Pardo Llorente, Antonio

Orrego Fuentes, Otilio del Amo Palomino, Cándido Catalán Lasala, Ángel Pérez Murillo, Abelardo

García Palacios,

Felipe González de Heredia,

Antoni Capdevilla Balcells, Jaume Mir Vime, Sebastià Balcells Tonijuan, Pau Castellà Barberà,

Andreu Feliu Bartomeu,Antoni Vilamassana Carulla, Frederic Vila Bartrolí,

Beatification of the Martyrs of the 20th Century in Spain

20th century, "the century of martyrs"

The 23 Claretian Martyrs whose portraits are included in these pages are the martyrs the twentieth century who will be beatified in Tarragona on October 13, 2013. All of them, according to the motto of the feast of the beatification, were "strong and courageous witnesses of faith". They died forgiving and thus they

became martyrs of Christ who, on the Cross, forgave his persecutors. Celebrating their memory and soliciting their intercession, the Church wants to implant in us humanness and reconciliation. As models of faith, love and forgiveness, they will

help us to profess our faith in Christ with integrity and courage.(Cf. CI Plenary Assembly of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, The martyrs of the twentieth century in Spain, strong and courageous witnesses of faith (April 19, 2013)

Places of witness of MartyrsSiguenza, Fernan Caballero and Tarragona

CLARETIAN MARTYRS

OF SIGÜENZA AND FERNÁN CABALLERO

Martyrs of Sigüenza and Fernán CaballeroPainting by sevillano Diego Coca Morales

The Martyrs of Fernan Caballero make up a group of 14 young seminarians, close to their priestly ordination, along with Br Felipe Gonzalez (47 years). For the Cause of their canonization, Fr Jose Maria Ruiz Cano (29 years) linked them altogether as protagonists of a moving story of martyrdom in the city of Siguenza. All of them, sixteen in total, were recognized as martyrs of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI on July 1st 2010, for having testified to their faith by surrendering their lives.The events of their martyrdom occurred in two different places, Siguenza (Guadalajara) and Fernan Caballero (Ciudad Real), but were brought together under the same Cause. It is not geographical distance that counts here but the coincidence of the same youthful illusions, full of faith and generosity, truncated in both places with the same violence.As in all causes of martyrdom, the Cause of the Martyrs of Siguenza and Fernan Caballero is a story of hatred that kills, alongside acts of forgiveness and love by the victims towards the assailants who murdered them. It is the story of a group that brings together 16 individual stories, all defined closely by the challenging reasoning of the Gospel: Unless a grain of wheat dies, it can not bear fruit, and he who loses his life for my sake will gain eternal life (Mt 16,25).

José María Ruiz Cano, martyr in Sigüenza

Fr. José Maria Ruiz is the only priest among the martyrs of Siguenza and Fernan Caballero. He was born in Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz) on September 3, 1906. Four days before completing his fourteenth year he entered the Claretian Minor Seminary of Don Benito. In 1923 Jose Maria returned to his village of Jerez to do his novitiate and to study the course of philosophy for three years.Generous in spirit and kind in his dealings, he was fervent in his devotion to Holy Virgin Mary. The following sentence was written during his novitiate on the 10th anniversary of his First Communion: "7th June 1914 to 7th June 1924!What happy days for me! This day marks the tenth anniversary of my First Communion. I

wholly consecrate myself to you, Mother. What a joy! 'Totus Tuus ego sum'! (I'm fully yours) "

He Studied theology in Zafra and was ordained in Badajoz on 29th June, 1932. As a newly ordained he began the year of preparation for priestly and missionary ministry in Aranda de Duero (Burgos). In the following year he was assigned to Siguenza (Guadalajara) as the assistant Prefect of Postulants at the "Palace of Infants". In 1934 he was entrusted with the responsibility of forming a group of 60 seminarians, whose ages ranged between 12 and 16 years. In Siguenza P. José María was awaited by the tragic days of religious persecution in 1936.

The short and simple life of P. José Mara Ruiz harbored a vigorous vitality that revolved around the total identification with his priestly and missionary vocation as the Son of the Heart of Mary and was shaped by his great loves: Christ, the Heart of Mary and the seminarians entrusted to him as the formator.

Sigüenza had been a haven of peace until the situation became extremely difficult on July 25th. The Bishop and four Claretian members in the diocesan seminary were arrested and sentenced to death. Given these events, Fr José María gathered his seminarians in the chapel "at about one in the afternoon" says an eyewitness chronicler. - "He wanted to cheer them up, but could not hold back the tears". - "Everything is fine, but to prevent what might happen, I have to announce with deep regret that the School is now closed for a few days. Don’t cry. For the moment, nothing bad is going to happen. Our Superiors have agreed to this cautionary action ... you will all leave here in groups to go to neighbouring towns, where we have been offered accommodation ... "

Looking on over this supremely difficult situation was a beautiful image of the Heart of Mary with the Child in her arms. Fr José María directed the following prayer to her: "O Lady mine! Oh Mother mine! Remember that I am completely yours, protect me and defend me as if I were yours". And then, kneeling with arms outstretched towards the Virgin, he said: "Mother, if it is your will that I should be a victim, here I am; choose me, but do not let anything happen to these innocent people who have wronged no-one".The withdrawal from the small Seminary began. This Servant of God put himself at the front of the youngest group. “Goodbye, Father, see you soon!” said Br Victor on taking his leave, “See you in Heaven” answered the Servant of God, and he set off for Guijosa, about 7km from Sigüenza.

They entered Guijosa as night was falling and were welcomed with open arms by the parish priest and the entire neighbourhood. Someone pointed out to Fr José María that the boys were safe and that it was better for him to escape and save his own life. The answer, repeated several times, was always the same: - "Let them catch me and kill me, but I will not leave these young lads".

They went to Guijosa looking for the "Father with children who had fled Sigüenza". On the 27th, "a little before lunch time, seven cars filled with revolutionary militiamen appeared in the village. A militiaman of Sigüenza said: 'That's the Priest over there”, and then Fr José María said: - "Holy Virgin, save Spain; I die happy."

For an hour he was held in a car flanked by two militiamen. The seminarians gradually gathered around ... - "Don’t be afraid, nothing is going to happen. I die happy" he told his boys.Then, some militiamen who came back from desecrating the church, carried a roughly treated image of the Child Jesus. They shamelessly threw it at Fr José María, saying: - "Here, take it, so you can die dancing with him." He lovingly pressed it to his heart. But the militiaman abruptly snatched it away and tossed it to the ground.

The Church of Guijosa and Cross at the Mount of Otero

The car pulled away... and the priest took his leave by saying: “Goodbye, lads”, and he blessed them. Soon the caravan of vehicles stopped at the boundary of Monte del Otero, halfway between Guijosa and Sigüenza. A voice ordered the servant of God to get out of the car. Fr Jose María understood the order, forgave his enemies and set off, as a pilgrim to heaven, to climb up Otero.

The rifles rang out and our martyr fell face down with his arms crossed. It was one o’clock in the afternoon of July 27, 1936. One of the militiamen later commented: "that monk who was with the boys, he even said that he forgave us when we were about to kill him."On the slopes of Otero, at the place of the martyrdom, you will find a cross erected to his immortal memory.

Tomás Cordero, Jesús Aníbal Gómez

and 13 companions

With the cross from Zafra to Fernancaballero

The wave of violence against the members of the Claretian Seminary in Zafra began just after the elections of February 1936. In late April the Father Provincial ordered them to leave the house and go to Ciudad Real, thinking they would find more favourable circumstances in the capital of la Mancha. They stayed in a retreat house provided for the Claretians by Bishop D. Narciso Esténaga, which proved inadequate for a group of young seminarians. Its location in the middle of the city added further challenges for its residents.

The theology house of Zafra and the Retreat House of Ciudad Real

Jesus Aníbal Gomez, from Colombia, wrote to his own people: "We have no garden, and primitive washing facilities ... We haven’t even once managed to get out for a walk since we arrived: in fact, it is almost like house arrest; such as our circumstances require. It was no bed of roses but it was something we could offer up to the Lord. "

They breathed an atmosphere of martyrdom and the house was soon assailed. Fr Superior wrote later: "Fourteen of the sacrificial victims were in jail for 4 days and were executed on the 28th, and the remainder were in jail for 6 days. It is impossible to describe the suffering of those days”.

Things got much worse in that prison, which had formerly been a house, to the point that "they brought along prostitutes whom we could see with their bonnets and ornaments, walking along and looking provocatively into our rooms ... We were all prepared for death, which we saw coming very soon ... we suffered humiliation and deprivation with resignation, meekness and sympathy in the face of our persecutors".

Trying to get out of that place of torment, Fr Superior managed to persuade the Civil Governor to give them safe passage to go to Madrid or wherever they saw fit. The first departure was prepared for the 28th of July. Amongst that group were our martyrs. Those who remained in the house said: Have a safe journey!,

They went to Ciudad Real station in several cars, accompanied by militiamen. When they arrived, there was a huge commotion and voices were heard shouting: Kill them. They are monks. Don’t let them on the train. Kill them! The train pulled out without further delay, but the threats were fulfilled 20 kms from the capital, in the station of Fernan Caballero.

Memorial en el solar de la antigua Estación de Ferrocarril de Fernán Caballero

A traveller on the train tells of what he saw:

"They ordered the monks to get off, because they had arrived at the spot. Some voluntarily got off, saying: Let God’s will be done, we will die for Christ and Spain. Others were reluctant, but with the butts of rifles, they

forced them off. Militiamen stood beside the train and the monks stood there facing them. Some of the monks extended their arms, shouting Long live Christ the King and long live Spain! Others covered their faces. Others bowed their heads. One of them, who was short in stature, shouted encouragement to everyone. Shots rang out and all the brothers fell to the ground ... Some got up again and, with outstretched arms, shouted Long live Christ the King!; then more shots, and again they fell. "Amongst the pile of bloody corpses, Candide Catalan was seriously wounded and he would die hours later: "He appeared totally resigned to his fate, he uttered no complaints whatsoever ...", said the doctor who treated him at the station.It must be noted that in the midst of so much pain and suffering, there was no shortage of angels of comfort. Fr Federico Gutiérrez, in his book Claretian Martyrs of Sigüenza and Fernan Caballero, notes a confidential remark made by Carmen Herrera, the station master's daughter: "I and the freight clerk’s wife, Maximiliana Santos, helped the doctors treating the wounded brother. I used hot water to wash his wounds and the freight clerk’s wife provided a sheet for bandages. At the Station I gave him something to drink ... "

TOMÁS CORDERO CORDERO

Tomás Cordero was born on June 8th, 1910 in Robledino de la Vanduerna in the province of León, the Astorga diocese. His parents were Vicente and Tomasa, farmers who were deeply religious and had a simple life. Tomas was the eldest of six children, and he was also the oldest of the group of fellow martyrs in Fernan Caballero.

As if inspired by the Lord, our servant of God soon understood that this privilege brought with it

responsibility. That is what the parish priest clearly communicated in his report: "In school he is the first; in the church he is the most exemplary".

The following letter from his father is extremely moving: "God planted in him all the delights of a child and the purity of an angel: he asked me to let him be a missionary, and at that time, it was so painful for me because I had lost my wife, so I opposed his wishes; Tomás was going to be the only breadwinner of the family, but he persuaded me to go with him to the Missionary Seminary in Plasencia on October 10th, 1924".

He was there for two years, then he moved to Don Benito and later to the Novitiate in Jerez de los Caballeros, where he made his profession on August 15th, 1929. In that same town he began to study Philosophy.

Tomás was generous in spirit and delighted in sharing everything he had with his companions. During his philosophy course, his formator said the following of him: "Mr. Tomas Cordero is a highly recommended individual, pious, simple, obedient, hard working, a man of virtue."

In December 1932 he received the Minor Orders in the Seminary in Zafra. This servant of God grew in wisdom, all the while cultivating and developing his spiritual devotion to the Virgin. The following words are a strong testament to his love of the Heart of Mary: "Slave to love. The slave bows towards the Queen, but the child rests on the Mother’s breast, there to enjoy the tenderness of her heart". He received the most tender maternal embrace from the Virgin in Fernán Caballero at the age of 26.

JESÚS ANÍBAL GÓMEZ GÓMEZ

Jesús Aníbal was born on June 13, 1914 in the colombian city of Tarso (Antioquia), Diocese of Jericó.

His parents, Ismael and Julia, were devout spiritual Christians

and they were of high social standing. At home they prayed the Rosary every night, and at school they said he was a very pious boy. At age 11, Jesús Aníbal joined the Claretian Seminary at Bosa. During the novitiate his behaviour was so exemplary that the Fr Rector believed that he had never been guilty of any misdemeanour throughout the entire year. The day of his perpetual profession he wrote: "I am your apostle, Heart of My Mother. I do not want a life where there is no love for you". And as his preferred maxim, he chose the following: "to become passionate for Jesus". Coming from a wealthy and distinguished family, Jesus Anibal always chose the strictest poverty, simplicity and humility.

At 21, he was sent to Spain to complete his theological studies and receive priestly ordination. In November 1935, he arrived at the Theological School of Zafra, in Extremadura. Jesús Aníbal’s stay here was very short, for on May 1st, 1936, up against the violent revolutionary threats that they suffered on a daily basis, the Community was disbanded and had to move to the capital of La Mancha in Ciudad Real, finishing there his much interrupted course of Theology. The troubles continued until July 24 when the convent was assailed and he was kept prisoner in the house along with his companions.

An episode during his imprisonment reflects the courage of Jesús Aníbal. A militiaman, when he discovered that he was Colombian, rebuked him with the following: "So you came all this way to become a monk?". Jesús Aníbal replied, "Yes, and I’m proud of it." The soldier hit him brutally with his rifle saying: "Well, you will have the same fate coming to you."He was shot at Fernán

Caballero at the age of 22.

PRIMITIVO BERROCOSO MAÍLLO

Primitivo was born on February 19th, 1913 in Jerte, in the province of Cáceres, diocese of Plasencia. He joined the Claretian Missionaries’ Seminary in Plasencia at thirteen years of age. At seventeen he made his religious vows, and in June 1935 he received the tonsure and minor orders of Porter and Reader.

This Servant of God had a very unhappy childhood. Before he was born his parents were forced to emigrate to Argentina to earn a living. On the way there, his father, Berrocoso Primitivo, died, and his mother Antolina Maíllo, returned to Spain, to the home of her parents, even poorer than when she left. And her son Primitivo was born just a month after arriving from Argentina. Antolina remarried and the son was put in the care of grandparents.

Don Ramon, the parish priest, said that: "One day I asked if there was a boy who would serve as an altar boy and I was introduced to "Tivo”, as he was affectionately known. Sometime after I easily guessed that a priestly vocation was in the making. He came to live with me and within eight months he had begun to master Latin Grammar and Syntax. His character was beginning to form. And when he was just thirteen years old, I put him in the hands of the Superior of the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Plasencia, with these words: "Here I give you a future General of the Order", such was my affection for this young boy ... "

According to reports, Primitivo was exemplary in everything; steadfast in his piety and devotion to the Virgin. People confirm that he had an ardent desire for martyrdom from an early age. His novice master wrote the following report: "He is one of the most rounded Students I have known; robust in health, with a beautiful voice, great missionary ideals, with a special gift for writing, some of his writing receiving awards in Marian Competitions".

On July 2nd, 1936, he asked to receive the last two Minor Orders at the next Ordinations on the 25th of the same month. But that was not to be. Instead of Holy Orders, he received the trophy of martyrdom along with his companions. He was 23 years old.

VICENTE ROBLES GÓMEZ

Vicente Robles was born in Villanueva del Conde (Salamanca), on April 25th, 1914. He entered the Claretian Missionary Seminary in Plasencia at the age of 11, and at 17 made his religious profession in Salvatierra (Álava). His parents, Pedro Ignacio and Fernanda, were a family of farmers deeply rooted in their faith: "The family environment was very Christian, and my mother prayed for her children to have vocations".

The novice Master’s report is highly complimentary about the qualities of this servant of God: "Mr. Vicente Robles is a real gem: very talented, very diligent, industrious, consistent and dependable. He is very pious and has worked consistently hard on his integrity. He is of good character and is in a good state of health".

The sad events of May 1931, the burning of convents and open religious persecution, forced the closure of the Novitiate. Along with his brother Agapito, already a student in Theology, he had to go to his village and wait for better times. "In the village”, his brother says, “we celebrated the liturgy as if we were in the convent: meditation, Holy Mass, Communion, spiritual reading and examination of conscience, and in May we read the book True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, by Grignon de Montfort. "

Fr Augusto Andres Ortega, his spiritual director during his years of Philosophy in Plasencia, spares no praise for Vicente Robles during the process for the Cause of his canonization, endorsing the statement made by the novice master, "I must highlight Vicente Robles and Otilio del Amo, especially Vicente Robles, who could not have been required to do more to improve his spiritual life ... I don’t think Vicente Robles nor Otilio del Amo were even capable of venial sin... I think they were forever in the presence of God: they were two very special, rare souls, and especially Robles”.

Vicente lived his consecration to the Heart of Mary profoundly, to the point of always signing himself Vicente Heart of Mary Robles, because he wanted everybody to know that he no longer belonged to himself but to the Heart of the Virgin; and at the top of his letters and writings he wrote the jubilant cry: Long live my Mother! At the time of his martyrdom, Vicente Robles was 22 years old.

GABRIEL BARRIOPEDRO TEJEDOR

Gabriel was born on March 18th, 1915 in Barahona, in the province of Soria and, at the time, in the diocese of Siguenza. His parents were Mariano and Asuncion, both good Christians. As a child, Gabriel 'at six years of age

knew perfectly how to respond and help at Mass, and to say the rosary in the parish church". At ten he entered as a boarder in the Diocesan Seminary of Siguenza, run by the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

As his studies progressed, he felt called to the priestly, religious and missionary life, and decided to join the Claretian Congregation. Few vocations have been so sorely tried as his. For three years he had to fight the opposition of his parents, but when he had finished the first year of Theology and received the tonsure (miraculously, he would say) his parents relented and gave their consent. Overjoyed he applied to enter the Novitiate and was allowed to enter Salvatierra (Alava). The Novice Master said of him: "The Novice, Mr. Barriopedro, is 17 years old. He has spent three and half months with us. He has excellent health, he is sociable, humble, serious, gentle: he stands out for his friendliness, he is kind, affable, benevolent, compassionate, peace-loving, devout and pious: his behaviour is exemplary". He made his profession on June 29th, 1933 in Jerez de los Caballeros. He then went to the Seminary in Zafra to continue his studies until, victims of persecution, all the students had to seek refuge in Ciudad Real.

A characteristic aspect of his spirituality was his devotion to the Heart of Mary. He wrote on the eve of his profession: "The Virgin is everything for me ... I am not afraid of difficulties, nor will the sufferings sadden me; nor will the labours bear down on me, because one glance from her will be enough to soothe and brighten my spirit". When he died, Gabriel was 21.CLAUDIO Y ÁNGEL LÓPEZ MARTÍNEZ

Claudio López and his brother Ángel entered the Claretian Seminary at the same time, made their profession on the same day, worked the same number of years as priests, and together they were martyred in Fernan Caballero. The two brothers were born in Mundilla de Valdelucio

(Burgos); Claudio December 18th, 1910 and Ángel October 2nd, 1912, into a family of good honest Christian farm labourers. Their father was called Eusebio Lopez Arroyo, and their mother, Joaquina Martinez Val.The two boys were altar boys, so both were very humble and often went to communion. They arrived at the Seminary in Plasencia on September 22nd, 1924. They completed their Novitiate and the three years of Philosophy in Jerez de los Caballeros.

Claudio, as reported by his superiors, was a excellent member of the community, robust, well mannered, formal, pious and trustworthy, and stood out for his strength and virility which, without intention on his part, was much admired by others. Ángel was pious, exemplary, formal, industrious and trustworthy, healthy, very talented and of good character. Fr José Riguera, their classmate, once said: Angel and Claudio were really pious and exemplary. During periods of silence, they were frequently seen with rosaries in their hands, and every day, without fail, they did the Via Crucis. They had great missionary zeal, especially Ángel, and their ultimate goal was to be prepared as good missionaries.

In 1931, at the proclamation of the Second Republic, the seminarians were expelled from the Seminary of Jerez. Angel and Claudio returned to their village and continued their pious practices. Several times they went down to visit the nearby sanctuary of our Lady of Vega, recalling the visits to the sanctuary in their childhood days. Although their families and friends discouraged them from going back to the seminary, Angel and Claudio did not hesitate to return. They started the study of theology in Zafra, but the persecution in Zafra in May 1936 forced them to leave and seek shelter in Ciudad Real.It was in this city that they endured the worst days of religious persecution, becoming prisoners in their own home. Distributed two by two in each room, Angel Lopez had as a companion, Fr. Jose Maria Marquez, who later became the bishop of Humahuaca (Argentina), who during the process of canonization would make the following statement: "We were prepared for death. My cellmate, Angel, lifted my spirits and begged me to pray for our persecutors, for Spain, and to pardon our enemies". In another cell with Claudio was Br Gregorio Barriuso, "He raised my spirits and we spent the day and night praying." On the afternoon of July 28th, 1936, the two brothers, still together, achieved the glory of martyrdom in Fernán Caballero. Claudio was 26 and Angel 24 years of age.

ANTONIO LASA VIDAURRETA

On June 28th, 1913 Antonio Lasa was born in the small town of Loizu (Navarra). In several villages a town council was formed, and on the religious side there was, of course, a priest, but when there wasn’t one, the whole family would go to the neighbouring village to hear Mass, even though it was snowing. His parents were Miguel Lasa and Josefa Vidaurreta, both devout Christians.Every four years Missionary Fathers would go to Erro, at the head of the

valley where Loizu is situated. Antonio wanted to be like them, and when he turned eleven years of age, he entered the Seminary of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Antonio was blessed with an enviable set of qualities: he was quick-witted, had a good memory, very studious, and his piety was calm and rational, fruit of a gentle harmony between head and heart. The report from his Master in the Novitiate of Salvatierra was even more succinct, but no less complimentary: "Antonio Lasa has excellent talent and in his behaviour, he is one of the best novices”.

He completed three years of Philosophy in Beire, and the first year of Theology in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, but then Antonio had a severe crisis in 1933-34. It would seem that he didn’t get on with his formator in theology, and so became a critic and rebel within the system. At the end of

the third year he received permission from his superiors to move to the Claretian Province of Betica, where the seminary was in Zafra, arriving there in 1935. From the outset he was happy amongst his new companions, but social circumstances dictated that the seminary had to move quickly to Ciudad Real. Here his brother Felix Lasa, a doctor, visited him, and he said of the meeting: "I visited him shortly before his execution. Having seen the events of May 1st in Madrid, ... I came to Ciudad Real with the intention of getting him to leave with me". But he stayed on in Ciudad Real. On July 28th, 1936 Antonio Lasa died a martyr in Fernan Caballero at 23 years of age.

MELECIO PARDO LLORENTE

Melecio Pardo was born on August 3rd, 1913 in Bustillo de Chaves, province of Valladolid. His parents were Pardo Benigno and Isidra Llorente, who had brought up a deeply Christian family.

Melecio entered the Seminary in Plasencia on October 13th, 1926. During his years of studies, the Prefect said he had an outstanding missionary spirit and he loved nothing more than to preach the word of God ... Although he was not

excessively intelligent, he stood out in the field of spirituality for his piety, for his sense of vocation, commitment to the Virgin and his missionary calling to work in non-Christian countries.

Fr. Joaquin Alonso, companion of Melecio who was with him until hours before his martyrdom, often remembered the sad night of May 12, 1931, when they were forced to abandon the novitiate at Jerez . After spending a few days in Maimona, hosted in the house of the sister of Antonio Orrego, Meletius had to return to Bustillo de Chaves with Otilio del Amo, his countryman and friend since childhood. Full of courage, both returned to the seminary in the end of July and Meletius began to prepare himself for his profession to be held on 5th September . They were overflowing with joy. Years later in 1936 when the Theologate of

Zafra was dispersed, Melecio and Otillo del Amo took refuge in the Claretian house of Córdoba, until they could go to Ciudad Real to rejoin their companions.

In Ciudad Real Melicio was able to finish the course dreaming of the pulpit. "Rhetoric was the weakness of student Meletius Pardo. The pulpit would be his right place. ", thus it was spoken of him. His jovial spirit helped him overcome the difficulties he encountered which ended in ruthless persecution. On the way to Madrid with hopes to reach freedom, Meletius Pardo, aged 23, received the crown of victory on 28th July. His voice which was trained to proclaim the true freedom will never fade out.

ANTONIO ORREGO FUENTES

Oliva de la Frontera (Badajoz) was the birthplace of martyr Antonio Orrego. He was born on January 15th, 1915, the son of Pedro and Isabel, humble craft workers, but firmly rooted in the Christian spirit. Antonio's father died when he was very young.He joined the Seminary in

Plasencia before his eleventh birthday. Without being exceptional in any way, he was perfectly well suited for the integrity and the life of a missionary. He began his novitiate in 1931, in Jerez de los Caballeros. Social unrest forced the closure of the seminary and Antonio Orrego, along with four others, went to seek refuge in the village of Los Santos de Maimona, at the house of his sister Amelia. From there he went to Salvatierra (Álava) to finish his novitiate and then returned to Plasencia to study philosophy. Antonio was said to be pious, obedient, charitable to his fellows, had a deep love of the Virgin and was impeccable in his behaviour.

He pursued his studies of Theology in Zafra until he was, again, obliged to seek refuge with his sister in Los Santos de Maimona. His brother Octavio said of the events at that time: "My mother urged him to go with her to their home in Oliva, saying that his life was in danger and that it would be a

great loss for the family if they killed him, but he answered as follows: What greater glory is there than to have a son a martyr? ".

In early May 1936 he rejoined his companions in Ciudad Real. He finished the second year of Theology and prepared for his Perpetual Profession, which he completed on June 29th, the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, a month before his martyrdom. On July 5th, intending to receive Minor Orders on the 25th of that month, he wrote to his mother: "Our dreams are turning into beautiful realities. Son of the Heart of Mary, and soon to be tonsured and in Orders ... and then later, Minister of the Most High. " Antonio Orrego died a martyr of Christ at 21 years of age.

OTILIO DEL AMO PALOMINO

Friend and neighbour of Melecio Pardo, Otilio del Amo was born in Bustillo de Chaves on April 2nd, 1913. His parents, Eustasio and Basilisa, were staunch Christians. His brother Eustasio, a priest, said: “My parents came from a Christian background. My father was a labourer. They didn’t want Otilio to become a religious, but rather a diocesan priest. My brother was naturally very pious”.

Otilio joined the Seminary in Plasencia September 28th, 1927. When he had

completed the Humanities course, in 1931, he had to go home and spend two months in his village. His brother said of his stay in the village: It confirmed him in his religious vocation, and never gave in to the opposition of his parents, and he said to me, "No matter what life has in store for me, if I give it to God through martyrdom, even better”.

The opinion of Otilio del Amo’s spiritual director, Fr Augusto Andres Ortega, will be discussed later when we draw a comparison with the martyr Vicente Robles, but suffice it to include here the important testimony of Fr

Eladio Riol: "Mr. Otilio was a special case. He boasted an extraordinary set of human, intellectual and moral qualities, such that they even bestowed on him evident authority among his peers. He was unquestionably an exemplary student throughout. He could be named superior after finishing his studies.

The sad events of April and May 1936 in Zafra did not allow him to successfully complete his first year of Theology. When the Theology School closed down, he had to find refuge in the house of the Claretian Missionaries in Cordoba with his fellow countryman Melecio. After a few days they got a message to join up with their companions in Ciudad Real. On the train Otilio wrote a letter to his brother: "We are walking like strangers in our own land; everywhere we are hated; we can’t stop anywhere; at the minute, I'm on the train to Ciudad Real, and from there maybe to martyrdom; but let God be served". He was martyred at the age of 23 years.

CÁNDIDO CATALÁN LASALA

Candido Catalan was born in Corella, in the province of Navarra and diocese of Tarazona, on February 16th, 1916. His parents, Feliciano and Jacinta, raised their family in comfortable circumstances, steeped in Christian tradition. At the age of 11, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his paternal uncle, Fr Catalan Cándido Monreal, then Provincial Superior of the

Claretian Missionaries of Betica, entering the Seminary of Plasencia.

He did his novitiate in Salvatierra (Álava) and professed on October 24th, 1932. All those who had dealings with Candido Catalan said of him that he was "a very young child" of marked immaturity up to 17 years of age: in

his faith, his openness, and in his daily routine. However, in 1934, when he was studying Philosophy, the Prefect’s report has a very different tone: "We have noticed a very positive change in Candido Catalan both in scholarship, where has gone to the top of the class and in virtue". And in 1935, when he began his first year of theology, the transformation was complete: "He is a student who has matured from a religious point of view, is pious, charitable, obedient, humble, industrious, optimistic."

When he was beginning to feel a sense of happiness, the tragic events of Zafra happened, and Candido had to find refuge with his companions in Ciudad Real. He finished the course there, but social unrest increased. The Religious were held as prisoners in their own convent, but he thought he saw a glimmer of hope in the safe-conduct given by the Civil Governor to the Father Superior, so that they could leave town. On July 28th, 1936 Candido was a member of the first group to head off for Madrid, with 13 other classmates. At the railway station in Fernan Caballero, they were forced to get off the train, and in view of the other travellers, they were shot while shouting Long Live Christ the King and Long live Spain!.

Candido Catalan was grievously wounded, surrounded by the bloodied bodies of his companions. He was to die hours later while being taken to the hospital in Ciudad Real: "He was a spectacle of utter resignation, without a word of complaint ..." said the doctor who treated him at the station.This young boy was the youngest of all the martyrs of Fernan Caballero. He was only 20 years of age.

ÁNGEL PÉREZ MURILLO

Ángel was born on June 6th, 1915 in the village of Montánchez (Cáceres). His parents were Jose Sanchez and Josefa Pérez Murillo Cortijo.

His sister Matilde says that Ángel learned to read and write in the village school and then

went to the Missionaries’ School of the Heart of Mary in Montánchez. She says the following about her brother’s early leanings, "From being a small boy, he showed leanings towards the priesthood, imitating things done by the priests, saying Mass, and he even had a confessional ... My father refused steadfastly that he should become a religious, but my brother replied that he would be the unhappiest person in the world if he wasn’t allowed to follow his vocation"

Ángel joined the Seminary at Plasencia in October 1928, at thirteen years of age. Then in 1931, because of the riots and the burning of religious houses, he had to return to his village, but then returned to the seminary happy and cheerful, despite having to overcome, once again, the opposition of his father. He did his novitiate in Jerez de los Caballeros and went on to attend Plasencia for three years of Philosophy.

From the reports written by his formators, it would be impossible to gain more praise than he did: "He's kind, gentle, attentive, humble, peace-loving, easygoing, sociable, amenable and obedient, devout and pious, quiet, composed, agreeable, active, soft-natured .. . outstandingly talented, good memory, generous spirit, sympathetic, noble, dignified, happy, wise and prudent, charitable both in the presence of God and his neighbour".

In August 1935 the first year course in theology began at Zafra, and in May 1936, after a few days taking refuge in his village, he went to Ciudad Real to meet up with his companions. Ángel, aware of the danger he was in, said in a firm voice: "Let’s face up to death." On July 16th, 1936, twelve days before his martyrdom, he made his perpetual profession. He was then 21 years old.

ABELARDO GARCÍA PALACIOS

The small town of Villandiego, province and diocese of Burgos, was the birthplace of Abelardo Garcia on 15th October 1913. His

parents, Angel and Estefana, were farm labourers. Abelardo's mother died when he was only two years old.At eleven he entered the Claretian seminary in Plasencia, probably encouraged by his uncle, Fr Ignacio Palacios Abad, who also would die a martyr in Don Benito. His formators, during the early years of his formation, described Abelardo as humble and long-suffering. He began his Novitiate full of hope and joy, but was not admitted to Profession.

He began a new phase of his life with the Augustinians; first in Uclés and then in La Vid. From here on, in 1934, he studied Philosophy, and he wrote back asking for admission once again to the Congregation of Claretian Missionaries, "You can’t imagine the great affection, carried almost to the point of delirium, that I have for the Congregation; day after day, feeling more and more desperate, I have so longed to get back to the Congregation"

He pleaded for an urgent response, because the day of his profession in the Augustinians was fast approaching. The Superior advised that he should not take his profession, despite being approved, and Abelard went home to his village without receiving a response from the Missionaries. He finally received his letter of admission, but in circumstances of not having the wherewithal to even make the trip down to Jerez de los Caballeros. Providence helped him unexpectedly and he was able to leave for Jerez. He began a new Novitiate and made his profession on January 3rd, 1936: he had achieved what he had long coveted. He then went to the Theologate of Zafra and, from there, to Ciudad Real along with his persecuted companions. Faced with the fears of one of his companions, Abelardo replied: "Well, what do you think might happen to us in the end? That they kill us? Oh, what happiness there would be in that, if one day people read in the CMF Annals: The following were shot for God and for the Congregation: Mr. Abelardo Garcia, etc ". This dream was fulfilled when he was only 22 years old.

Two months later

Brother FELIPE GONZALEZ DE HEREDIA BARAHONA

Brother Philip was also martyred in Fernan Caballero, not in the railway station but at the cemetery gates, on October 2nd 1936. His cause for canonization was linked, from the beginning, to that of the 14 Claretian Students on the first expedition to Madrid.

Felipe González was born on May 24th, 1889 in the village of San Asensio (La Rioja). His parents Joseph and Ezequiela were well known in their village for their kindness, honesty and piety, and their charity in helping those in need, and for how well they raised their two children, Felipe and Salvador.

Felipe’s family put his vocation to the test, as seen in the following letter: "The signatories below, parents of young Felipe González de Heredia, declare that, having subjected him to many tests, they want to really find out if he has a vocation to the religious life and, finding him totally resolved and eager to commit himself, whether as a priest or as a brother, we want to allow him the greatest possible freedom so that he can make his

religious profession, our greatest desires being for the glory of God and the service of such a holy and venerated Order".

He did his novitiate in Jerez de los Caballeros and made his profession on March 25th, 1909 as a lay brother. He had reached his goal, and was now a Missionary Son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The testimonies of those who had dealings with him agree that: his was a favoured soul, he was humble, simple, dutiful, patient, kind and compassionate, extremely long-suffering, a great lover of the Heart of Mary and of the Congregation. The testimony of Cardinal Arturo Tabera, in the process of his canonization, will speak for everyone: "Brother Philip, with the loving presence of a lay Brother, simple, pious, religious, always dedicated to the humble tasks of the house, far removed from worldly things : I knew him personally for three or four years in the Seminary in Zafra".

Brother Felipe came to Ciudad Real from Zafra. When the second expedition of the Community left for Madrid on July 30th, he stayed in Ciudad Real, taking refuge in the house of his brother Salvador. He was discovered, and was taken to the police headquarters in the Seminary where he remained until, on October 2nd, he was taken out in a car to Fernan Caballero. When they stopped the car in front of the cemetery, Brother Felipe climbed up the steps to the gate, he flung his arms out in the shape of the cross and shouted Long Live Christ the King and the Heart of Mary! A volley of rifle shots silenced his voice. A witness, who happened to be travelling in the same car, said: I noticed that the Brother went very quietly in the car and he shouted aloud Long Live Christ the King and the Heart of Mary!

The tomb of the Martyrs

Saint Anthoni Mª Claret Parish, Sevilla

CLARETIAN MARTYRS OF TARRAGONA

The seven Claretian martyrs of Tarragona came from two communities very close to each other: Tarragona and La Selva del Camp. Their martyrdoms took place separately, at different times and places.

Claretian Martyrs of Tarragona (Ed. Claret Barcelona)

The Claretian Community of Tarragona, living in a very humble house, had the privilege of having a group of Claretians who worked as lecturers in the Seminary and the Pontifical University, where their work as distinguished teachers was always greatly valued.

The house in La Selva del Camp was a Mission House and a place of rest for old and sick people, who felt welcomed and comfortable. It was a much loved place amongst the Congregation because it was there that the Claretian protomartyr, Fr Francisco Crusats, sacrificed his life in 1868, and which made St Anthony Mary Claret shout out in envy when he heard the news of his glorious death. I knew that he would get in before me…….!

ANTONI CAPDEVILA BALSELLS

The first victim of the group was brother Antoni Capdevila, who, at the height of his powers in his 40s, died with astonishing calmness.He was the son of l’Espluga Calba (Lleida), where he was born on February 27th, 1894. His parents were Antoni and Filomena. Brother Antoni was a real treasure in the life of our communities, especially for his work as a tailor. He also worked as a teacher of the first year students, distinguishing

himself by his reliability and efficiency. He fully deserved the sense of trust everyone had in him, and he was considered a model because of his saintly spirit.When the revolution of July 1936 broke out, our Brother belonged to the community of La Selva del Camp. His first concern was to take the elderly and sick Brother Ramon Garces to the Sanatorium run by the Sisters in Reus. From there, on July 24th, he travelled by train to Borges Blanques, walking the final 14 kilometres to Mollerosa, near Lleida, where his family lived. The train stopped longer than necessary in Vimbodí to change engines, and Antoni got out of the carriage to walk along the platform ... someone of malicious intent suspected something strange and he was arrested there and then. They marched him along the streets to the Police station, they stole the money he had and, at about noon, they took him along the road to the place they call the Puntarró, about 500 metres from the village. In front of the firing squad, Antoni quietly asked his murderers:“Will you give me a few moments to prepare myself?”His request granted, he calmly uncovered his head, began to pray quietly and, when he had finished his fervent prayer, invited the murderers to do what they wanted. Before dying, drawing strength from the bottom of his missionary soul, he shouted:“Long live Christ the King!”

A burst of gunfire cut him down to the ground. The ordinary people of the village considered him a holy man from the start, and were desperate to have pebbles dipped into the blood of the martyr ... and there began the glorification of God. His remains are buried in the church of San Agustin de Tarragona, along with those of Fr Frederic Vila.

JAUME MIR VIME

Fr Jaume Mir Vime was a son of Ciutadilla, in the province of Lleida and region of Urgell. Born on December 22nd, 1889. His parents, Jaume and Filomena, were exemplary Christians. They had two sons and four daughters. The youngest became a religious with the Carmelite Sisters of Charity.

A few days after the death of Brother Antoni Capdevila, specifically on July 29th, Fr Jaume Mir was to suffer the same fate. Tall, slim, with drawn features, serious, always with his nose in a book of Philosophy, he was the embodiment of the Metaphysics that he taught with singular competence. His great intellectual gifts and his penchant for study had bestowed on him a maturity of learning such that he was regarded as an authority on the most intricate philosophical questions. From 1932, in the Pontifical University of Tarragona, he occupied the chair of difficult issues or PhD theses.In his life as an ascetic, he was always silent and thoughtful, the perfect blend of "prayer, study and teaching", a trilogy that defined him perfectly.The revolution caught up with him when he was directing Spiritual Exercises with the Carmelite Sisters of Charity in Francolí Esplugues. Without knowing why, the fact is that on several occasions he touched on the topic of the martyrs with unusual eagerness, those who filled the church with glory. With the dissolution of the Religious Community on July 21st, he took refuge with them in the Chaplain's house, where they continued their Spiritual Exercises.

The martyrdom of Fr Jaume seems to bear the stamp of a vile betrayal. Wanting to move to Tarragona, he went to the Police station for the appropriate pass. He got it, but the people who gave it to him asked for it back the next day. He requested another, and was told there was no need for one, because they themselves were going with him to Montblanc Police station. His farewell to the religious sisters was cordial and serene: - Goodbye! There is nothing else we can do. If we do not see each other in

this life, we’ll see each other in Heaven!- Father, give us a blessing! So we have the consolation of having received the blessing of a martyr.The militiamen drove him to Montblanc to put him on the train. The truth is that, the same day, on the 29th in the afternoon, his body was laid to rest in cemetery of Tarragona ...

SEBASTIÁ BALSELLS TONIJUÁN

Brother Sebastiá was born on December 3rd, 1885, in La Fuliola, province of Lleida, region of Urgell. He inherited from his good parents, Baltasar and Buenaventura, many natural qualities, but, especially, a Christian education which, from early childhood, helped him grow in his faith. Of the six children of the marriage, one became a nun and two followed a Claretian vocation.

The pious life of Br Sebastiá manifested itself in his service to the brothers of the Community, in his spiritual joy that permeated his good sense of humour and his fervent practices of devotion to Jesus Christ and the Mother of God, such as the Eucharist, Stations of the Cross and the Rosary every day.

He had remarkable qualities as a teacher of little children, to which he devoted himself in schools such as Cervera, La Selva del Camp and Játiva. In 1932 the School of Játiva was attacked, and in March 1936 the community was forced to abandon the city for good. The revolution in July caught Brother Sebastian in La Selva del Camp.He decided to take refuge in his birthplace in the village of La Fuliola. There he found his sister Silveria, also a religious, taking refuge as well, who inquisitively asked him one day:- How many times have you prayed the rosary today to the Virgin?“Nineteen, so far” replied the servant of God. And it was only noon ... Indeed, it has to be said, the rosary and the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin never left the hands of this humble, innocent, fervent Brother.On August 15th, the feast of the Assumption, the two religious siblings, Sebastiá and Silveria, were a picture of miraculous presence, as if taken from recollections of Benedict and Scolastica. It was evening, and after dinner these two soul mates occupied themselves talking about God, heaven, about the happiness of dying as martyrs for Jesus Christ. They talked and talked, and so they passed the time ...Three hours after all this heavenly talk, they heard eight menacing shouts at the door, calling for Sebastiá, who was thrust into a car which took him to the Police station of Tárrega; can you believe it, at that hour of the night! The car continued along the road. In the midst of silence, our Brother started a brief conversation:“You’re taking me to be killed, aren’t you?”- Yes!With a clear understanding on both parts, the prisoner calmly pulled out his rosary, and began to whisper again and again, Pray for us ... at the hour of our death.The car stopped, the militiamen tied our Brother to a tree trunk and fired eight shots. From nearby, a forest ranger looked on. The fingers of the corpse were still clutching the holy rosary beads until, shortly afterwards, a fire fed with armfuls of dry grass, turned the remains of the martyr into ashes.

Brothers Andreu Felíu and Pau Castellá,sons of La Selva del Camp

Brothers Andreu Felíu and Pau Castellá are a fine example of human, religious, missionary and self-sacrificing brotherhood. These two venerable elders of the community were a real treasure. Both were born in the same town, both shared the same religious life in the Claretian Congregation, both spent their best years working on the tough Mission of Equatorial Guinea; together they peacefully passed their old age in the same community with everyone’s care and attention, and God’s Providence, which had wonderfully joined their lives together, would not separate them even in death, and together they would go to meet the Lord who rewarded them with palm and crown ...Sons of La Selva del Camp, when the revolutionaries dissolved their Community, both went to their own families, staying there for three months until the Police authorities of Reus decided to upset the quiet routines of their neighbouring town and made up the list of those who should be shot. One of the more reasonable members, and a resident of La Selva del Camp, intervened to help change the decision:“Why not content ourselves with just the Religious?”And the only two Religious on the list were the Brothers Castellá and Felíu. Arrested without further ado on October 26th, they were taken to La Riera de la Cuadra, on the municipal boundary of Reus, to be shot. As Brother Pau Castellá had difficulty moving his legs, he took a while to get out of the car, so they dragged him out and he fell flat on the ground.“Let’s do it right here!”So, as he lay on the ground, they shot him several times in the back.These two most exemplary Missionaries died for the same cause: for being Religious!

PAU CASTELLÁ BARBERÁ

Pau Castellá Barberá was born On May 3rd, 1862, in La Selva del Camp (Tarragona). From his parents, Pau and Francesca, he had inherited a great store of human qualities and Christian virtues, including a beautiful voice. And along with his voice, a great interest in music.

Pau did his Novitiate in Barbastro and in that same

community he began to work as a cobbler. From Barbastro he went to Lleida, and later, at his request, in 1892, his Superiors gave him a new field of work, which turned out to be much more challenging: the Fernando Poo missions. As a missionary he served in places and roles that were very demanding: Corisco, Santa Isabel, San Carlos and finally Maria Cristina. At all his destinations, he demonstrated his extraordinary qualities of dealing with people who were not accustomed to obedience. Without a doubt, he was endowed with so many qualities that any domestic duty came easily to him. In every Community he was very well received, but was also much loved by farm estate workers, even though they had never met him. Brother Pau was a model tactician for preventing difficulties.When his health failed, he was forced to return to the mainland because of persistent fevers ... And he was caught up in the religious persecution of 1936 and was martyred.

ANDREU FELÍU BARTOMEU

Brother Andreu Felíu was born on September 15th, 1870. His parents were Josep and Francesca.From being very young, he had contact with the Claretian Missionaries, who had houses in La Selva del Camp since 1968. He served as an altar boy, helped the

Brother sacristan and with his beautiful voice he sang in the choir of the church of St. Augustine, which was entrusted to the Missionaries. At seventeen he applied to become a Claretian Missionary as an Assistant Brother. What he most wanted was to be a missionary and to be out working in mission countries.He completed his Novitiate in Cervera, where he had his first appointment, in charge of tailoring. He always stood out for his industry and kind treatment of people, and was much loved for his devout and pious life. In 1903, when he was in Zafra, his dream was fulfilled when he was sent to the missions of Fernando Poo.Brother Andreu Felíu, a master of several trades, served as a tailor, sacristan, as a very caring nurse to the sick, as an excellent farm labourer on the estates, and overseer of domestic cleaning and administration. He was an unselfish servant to all in need. In 1934 he had to return to the mainland for health reasons.

The boat prisonBr Antoni Vilamassana and Fr Frederic Vila

Throughout Catalonia, the floating prison set up on the cargo boat Cabo Cullera was infamous, but it was soon moved to another more spacious ship, the Rio Segre, also a cargo boat weighing in at 5,000 tons.

Carguero Río Segre

It doesn’t take much imagination to guess what life was like there. Total isolation from relatives and friends, sometimes unbearable heat in summer, intolerable monotony ... But on the other hand, there were diversions which in other prisons would have been an unexpected luxury. Amongst the prisoners there were many priests and religious, and the lay people were distinguished Catholics who passed the time in their own way on deck despite close monitoring from the red militiamen, who couldn’t stand seeing rosary beads, even though they were made from knotted string!, nor did they tolerate seeing lips that moved in prayer ... The way of life was strict: “No lips or fingers, or knots!” ...Prisoners sometimes got together in small groups to relax with a little singing, and the most serious members, like our Fr Frederic Vila, used the time for discussions on Moral Theology or other church topics.

Some ten Claretians passed through this dreadful prison, but only two of them would leave to meet their deaths: Br Antoni Vilamassana and Fr Frederic Vila.

ANTONI VILAMASSANA CARULLA

Antoni Vilamassana was born in Massoteres, province of Lleida, region of Segarra, on January 29th, 1860. His parents were Antoni and Josepa. At 23 years of age he entered the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and four years later was sent to the difficult missions in

Fernando Poo.Br Antoni was distinguished by his formality, his love of work and his religious spirit. For two years he was in charge of the Banapá farm estate (1915-1916). This two year stint ended owing to his ill health: tropical living, under a harsh sun, rain and fatigue, did much to punish his body and forced him to return to the mainland. He was then sent to the community of Tarragona. There he continued working as a young man, doing all he could to attend to the needs of the community, made up primarily of Claretian teachers at the Pontifical University of Tarragona. When religious persecution scattered the community, with great generosity of spirit he offered, during those difficult days, to accompany Fr Frederic Vila, and both were arrested and taken to the floating steamship prison "Rio Segre", anchored in the port of Tarragona.

Br Antoni was the epitome of a missionary. His seventy-six years had not managed to impair his vigorous constitution nor his energy for the job. In the prison boat he continued to be as dedicated to helping others as ever. When on August 25th he was 'called', he made his confession, picked up some personal items and toiletries, in case he was to be moved to the boat named Uruguay in Barcelona, he said goodbye affectionately and went off

quietly with the expedition, which was not to Uruguay but to the cemetery of Valls.

There were 24 victims on the truck. When they reached Valls, they broke into song along the road that crosses the Crec en un Deu, singing the beautiful Catalan Credo, and other religious hymns, and they managed to draw the following comments from an old lady, which serves perfectly as a eulogy: What beautiful songs they sang! They weren’t like

those party songs, but really nice ones, and it was a pleasure to listen to them.

FREDERIC VILA BARTROLÍ

Fr Frederic was born in the municipality of El Brull, province of Barcelona, in the Osona region, on March 3rd, 1884. His parents, Antonio and Dolors, educated their children in the Christian faith. The result of that education was the Claretian vocation of both Frederic and his brother Modest, and that of three sisters who chose to take the habit of the Dominicans of Fr Coll.

Frederic spent his childhood in Tona before entering the Vic Seminary Later he applied to be admitted into the Congregation of Claretian Missionaries. He was ordained in 1907. Endowed with a strong will and a good memory, he shone academically because of his fulsome knowledge of all kinds, for his work as a religious and researcher, and for all the great cultural activities that he managed to develop. He was a lecturer in the Claretian seminaries of Solsona and Cervera, and in the Pontifical University of Tarragona. It was here that he was caught out by the religious persecution in 1936.

Taking refuge in the apartment of the good sisters, Muntés, on July 24th the premises were searched, but without any major consequences. Only when the militiamen had left, Fr Vila, who could easily have passed as the owner of the house, forgot about the normal expression “Salud!”, as the circumstances demanded, and proffered the normal “Adios” ... This detail was a telling moment. They arrested him, they took him to the police station, and from there, convicted of being a priest and religious, they locked him up in Cabo Cullera, and two days later they took him to the Rio Segre. In his personal writings, Fr Vila described both the pain and anguish that overcame him at times, as well as the peace of soul and the comfort that the brothers of the Congregation instilled into him.

On the advice of the Commander, he made a request for release, and got it, thanks to Duran, the Archivist of Catalonia. Except that on November 11th, when they brought him the much anticipated release order, it was too late ... The F.A.I. had caught up with them during the night. Kicking and shouting, they got all the prisoners out of their beds and made up the list of the next expedition: 24 in total. On the ship’s bridge, they began together to pray a psalm, according to a witness, and apparently it was the Miserere.They were taken by truck to the town of Torredembarra, and in a line against the cemetery wall, all breathed their last breath with a triumphant Long live Christ the King! ...

Fr. Frederic Vila was a leading figure among the Claretians of Catalonia. An outstanding teacher and writer, patient researcher and compiler of Claretian and congregational memories ... But above all, he was a soul of exquisite sensitivity and disarming goodness. On June 21st, 1959 his remains were transferred to a chapel in the church of San Agustín in Tarragona.

ST ANTHONY MARY CLARET, FOUNDER

OF THE MISSIONARIES, SONS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY(CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES)

ANTHONY MARY CLARET, Sallent (Barcelona), 1807. Tireless apostolic missionary. He conducted missions for the people in Catalonia and the Canary Islands. Founder of the Claretian Missionaries, Archbishop of Cuba and confessor to Queen Isabel II, whom he accompanied during her exile. A life-threatening attempt on his life in Holguín (Cuba) gave him the opportunity to say, in front of the Fathers of Vatican Council I, that along with St Paul “I bring with me the scars of our Lord Jesus Christ on my body”. He died in Fontfroide (France) on October 24th 1870.

Pius XII proclaimed Claret a saint on May 7th 1950, and said of him:“ A great soul, born to bring together contrasting features ... a strong character but with the soft sweetness of someone who knows about austerity and penance; always in the presence of God, even in the midst of his prodigious efforts outside in the world; maligned and admired, celebrated and persecuted. And among so many wonders, like a soft light that illuminates everything, his devotion to the Mother of God”

Martyr CongregationThe Congregation of Claretian Missionaries was the most tested amongst the religious congregations in Spain suffering persecution in 1936. A few years earlier, in Mexico, we had already paid tribute to a martyr in the person of Blessed Andres Sola.

We shall continue to present the different groups of Claretian Martyrs whose cause of canonization is introduced, some of them are already beatified.

Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro

The Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro, 51 in total, wrote a glorious page of Christian heroism. For 20 days in the summer of 1936 in a semi-basement room with windows at ground level, they endured untold suffering. The strength of the Eucharist and devotion to the Virgin helped them to stay positive in appearance and keep peace in their hearts, praying for and forgiving all who would kill them: "We died forgiving those who would take away our lives, offering it up for the Christian order of the working world, so that the Catholic Church would reign definitively, for our beloved Congregation and for our beloved families".Martyr Seminary: this is what John Paul II said of them the day he proclaimed as Blessed Felipe de Jesus Munarriz and his 50 companion Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (25/10/1992)

Blessed Andres Sola, martyr in Mexico

Andres Sola was born in Taradell (Barcelona), in Plana de Vic, in 1895. He was sent to Mexico as a missionary during the difficult years in which, under the presidency of General Calles, foreign priests were not allowed to exercise the priestly ministry. Fr Andres, ignoring such a ban, "Took communion to many people, offered up many Holy Hours, and worked very hard despite endangering his own life." Unjustly accused, along with the priest Trinidad Rangel and layman Leonardo Perez, of taking part in the derailment of the train going from Mexico to Juarez, the three were executed at Rancho San Joaquin, Lagos de Moreno (Jalisco). During his agony Fr Sola kept repeating: Jesus, have mercy! Lord, I die for your cause! And tell my mother she has a son who is a martyr. The three "Martyrs of San Joaquin" were beatified in Guadalajara (Mexico) on November 20th, 2005.

Blessed Martyrs of Sigüenza - Fernán Caballero and Tarragona

Along with a large group of martyrs of the twentieth century in Spain, the Martyrs of Sigüenza-Fernan Caballero and Tarragona will be glorified by the Church in Tarragona on October 13th, 2013.

Servants of God Mateo Casal and 108 Companions

This group is made up of Claretians from different communities: Barcelona, Lleida, Solsona, Vich, Santander and Valencia. All heroically died because of their faith, because they were religious, and are included in the same Cause of canonization. Among them we should mention the Philosophy Students in the Claretian Seminary of Cervera, another martyr seminary. Also belonging to the Cervera community was Br Fernando Saperas, known as "the martyr of chastity", who for fifteen endless hours was made to suffer the most unimaginable humiliations in the brothels of Cervera and Tarrega. Shot at the gates of the cemetery in Tarrega, his remains are buried in the parish church of Santa Maria de l'Alba, where every August 13th highly emotive tributes of "remembrance" are enacted and people pray for his speedy glorification.

To the four previous groups we need to add more than 80 Claretians who were not included in the process of beatification, but nevertheless deserve all our affection and veneration because they also suffered for their faith.

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Especial thanks to the Claretian Father Federico Gutiérrez and Pedro García, Claretians, whose writings about the Martyrs has been the main source for the preparation of this booklet.

Web pages:

www.claret.org ; www.claretianosbetica.org ;  www.claretians.cat jesusanibalgomez.blogspot.com ; claretsdd.blogspot.com

General Postulator - Roma : postulgen@cmfgen.orgVice postulator - Sevilla:   vicepostuladorcmf@gmail.comVice postulator - Barcelona: vpostulacioncat@gmail.com