It has been 100 years since the birth of Cardinal Marcelo González Martín, a reference figure for the Church in Spain.
He was born January 16, 1918 in Villanubla, Valladolid, and died in Palencia in 2004. He was a tireless priests who, throughout his life, left behind countless works.
In his first destination as bishop, Astorga, he especially helped the needy, promoting the construction of housing and schools. At the same time, he traveled throughout Spain teaching the spiritual exercises and giving talks.
He was archbishop of Barcelona, where his work was cut out for him. However, his biggest challenge was the diocese of Toledo. He became archbishop in 1971 and for 23 years, he revitalized a diocese that was in dire need and converted the seminary into a point of reference. His work to preserve the Mozarabic Hispanic rite was also fundamental.
Cardinal Marcelo also led to the opening of the beatification processes of those murdered due to religious persecution in the 30s in Spain.
In 1973, Pope Paul VI named him a cardinal. He participated in the conclave that elected John Paul I, who was his very good friend, and in the conclave for John Paul II. St. John Paul II always spoke of Cardinal Marcelo as an example of a pastor who applied what the Second Vatican Council established for the Church.
