On Sunday, October 13, 2013, in Tarragona, Spain, the Church celebrated the beatification of 522 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Among those beatified were the six Redemptorist Martyrs of Cuenca.
There were many casualties of the Spanish Civil War. Approximately 270,000 people died, including soldiers and civilians. Many died from acts of war, but many also died from acts of reprisal, from disease, and from hunger. Approximately 6,850 died as a direct result of religious persecution. Of these, 13 were bishops, and more than 6,000 were priests and religious.
Among these almost one thousand have already been canonized or beatified. Another two thousand cases are in process. The beatification of the martyrs of Cuenca and their companions celebrates the witness of martyrdom as an act of trust in our faithful Creator, as well as sharing the sufferings of Christ.
Blessed Julián Pozo Ruiz de Samaniego
A 33-year old professed priest, he was an extremely good man who captivated everyone with his smile. Since before his ordination, he had been sick with tuberculosis. But his human qualities and his spiritual depth matured through this illness. His heart, his eyes, and especially his smile, even in illness, spoke of God.Blessed Pedro Romero Espejo
At his death Blessed Pedro was a 65-year-old priest. He had been a missionary for many years, but little by little he had to leave this work behind because of personal difficulties. He had to take his limitations seriously and because of this, he came to live the life of a monk in Cuenca. When the persecution came, in order to continue to freely live his fidelity to the missionary life, he lived as a beggar in the streets. Thus in the midst of the persecution, he was able to offer pastoral care to those who asked. He was imprisoned and died from the hardship inflicted on him.Blessed Miguel Goñi Áriz
A 34-year-old professed priest. Despite his delicate health and his rather timid character, he was a tireless preacher of popular missions and an admirable confessor. He was an intelligent and valuable man both for preaching and for worship services in the Church. He was always available to do whatever was necessary. He was ordained a priest on September 27,Blessed José Javier Gorosterrazu Jaunarena
A 59 year old professed priest. As a researcher and missionary in Spanish (Castilian) and Basque, he brought together in his life the proclamation of the Gospel with philosophical scholarship and historical research. He had a great sensitivity for the local culture of the people whom he evangelized. He preached many retreats and spiritual exercise to nuns, especially the Redemptoristines. He died together with Brother Victoriano. Both were attached to each other by the arm.
Blessed Victoriano Calvo Lozano
A 40 year old professed religious brother. He is the second Redemptorist brother to reach the altars. A person with a very simple training, he possessed great wisdom and knowledge in the ways of God. He was dedicated to simple tasks such as porter, sacristan, tailor or the orchard, and he spent much time in silence and prayer. He was also dedicated to spiritual direction.
Blessed Ciriaco Olarte Pérez de Mendiguren
A 43 year old professed priest. He was a missionary first in Mexico, and then in Spain. A friendly and outgoing person, he won people over by his character. The persecution of Plutarco Calles had made it necessary for him to leave Mexico. He preached many retreats to the Oblate Sisters and the girls whom they gathered together. He died together with Miguel Goñi. They gave each other absolution.
For more information
To learn more about the Redemptorist Martyrs of Spain, check out http://testigosdelaredencion.blogspot.com.es.