In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI beatified 498 men and women killed for their faith during the Spanish Civil War. Now, the Archdiocese of Seville, Spain will add another 20 on November 18.
ABP. JOSÉ ÁNGEL SAIZ
Archdiocese of Seville, Spain
The testimony of the faith of the Spanish martyrs of the 20th century filled the French writer, Paul Claudel, with admiration when he said: "So many martyrs and not a single case of apostasy."
The Archbishop of Seville says that officially recognizing the witness of these martyrs can be beneficial to everyone, even outside of Spain.
ABP. JOSÉ ÁNGEL SAIZ
Archdiocese of Seville, Spain
Let us all strive to make these acts a testimony of grace that revitalizes the faith of our Christian communities and makes them spaces of justice and love and peace. Also of coexistence and reconciliation because the martyrs are a spiritual treasure for all.
The group of 20 includes lawyers, a pharmacist, a housewife and a carpenter. On the eve of the beatification, there will be a prayer service and on the days following the ceremony, Masses of thanksgiving will be offered for the new blesseds.
KG