"ELEVATION TO THE GLORY OF THE ALTARS OF 241 SAINTS.

FATIMA, KNOCK, AND OTHER DECLARATIONS."

            We, Supreme Pontiff, Vicar of Christ, Successor of Saint Peter, Servant of the Servants of God, Patriarch of El Palmar de Troya.

            We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, solemnly declare and proclaim, with great jubilation and joy, the Most Solemn Elevation to the Glory of the Altars of 241 members of the Mystical Body of Christ, with previous assistance of the Holy Ghost, examining the sense of the Church as well as the historical facts.

            We, henceforth, in the Documents on the canonisation of saints, are presenting only one list, for greater facility in the work of preparation, and for a more rapid perusal on the part of the faithful.

            We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, solemnly guarantee and assure for all the faithful, the life of sanctity and heroic virtue of those whom today we have elevated to the dignity of the altars.

            We desire to make certain important remarks for the faithful about the saints whom today we are presenting.

            We desire from among these to give prominence to the Popes. In the nine Popes whom we are canonising today, you will find magnificent examples of eminent men, vigilants and guardians of Catholic Faith.  At every moment, in imitation of the Prince of the Apostles, they confirmed their brethren in the faith.  These glorious Popes gave the clearest proof of their devotion to God and the Church.  These Popes energetically condemned every kind of error and heresy.  They re-established discipline for the well-being and advancement of the Church. They gave themselves fully to a life of prayer and penance.  They filled the Holy Church of God with splendour. Among these Popes were crusaders, who did not hesitate to wield the sword against the enemies of the Catholic Faith.  Europe and the world in great part are indebted to these Popes; since they, in defending the Catholic Faith, defended Western civilization, warding off from Europe the tyranny of Mohammad.

            We exhort you to read with great attention the lives of these glorious Popes, who were strong and immovable rocks, the understanding of which is vital for the present time in which we are living.  The epoch we are living is greatly similar to those earlier epochs, not forgetting that the present epoch is worse than those earlier ones, since, even if by baptism, officially, there is a considerable number of Catholics we ought not to forget that the majority of these have apostatized from the Catholic Faith, and that we are only a minority who remain firm in the traditional Faith taught by the Church, One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.

            We communicate to you all, very beloved children:  We are disposed to take up the sword when the Most High gives the sign.  We cherish the hope that one day will see a great crusade against the enemies of God and His Church.

            We confidently implore the most singular protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, in order to organize a Holy Crusade, and thus to restore a Holy Empire, where will rule and prevail the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  For this great enterprise We need the help of your prayer and penance.

            We invite you to reflect and consider the great difference between those Popes and the usurper, apostate, traitor and antipope, John Paul II.  This cursed antipope, John Paul II, is highly dangerous, since at times he lets fall certain good words in order miserably to deceive the traditionalists.  This Antipope, the precursor of Antichrist, on some occasions speaks in favour of the traditionalists, for example on celibacy, the soutane, Latin, against divorce and abortion:  but it is all left in empty words, since he does not punish those who commit these errors and heresies.  This apostate and perverse antipope has two faces:  on occasion he speaks well, but he lets the error spread, giving himself the appearance of a kind and loving father.

            We, as legitimate successor of Saint Peter, in the name of Christ, declare that the antipope John Paul II is a man intrinsically perverse, corresponding, as he does, to the Marxist doctrine, which he pharisaically conceals under the white soutane.

            We declare to all the faithful that the Just Wrath of God will fall inexorably over the head of John Paul II, precursor and prophet of Antichrist.  No one mocks God and escapes His Law.

            We trust that you understand perfectly the great difference between a guardian of the Faith and a usurper of the sacred throne of Saint Peter.

            We wish you to reflect on the pious reading of the lives of all the saints we today have elevated to the glory of the altars.  Among these you will find clerics, religious, lay faithful, and as well, a good number of martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in precious and beautiful holocausts for God and Spain during the time of the Marxist tyranny.

            We believe that it is not necessary to add commentary to the exemplary lives of all these saints, which speak for themselves.

            We point out once again:  you have innumerable paths to sanctity, as these saints give unequivocal testimony to these paths. Therefore take their lives into consideration, and find there most useful and efficacious help in order for you to take the sure way that leads to God.

            We are fulfilling Our intention of beautifying the Church with these new and lovely olives that belong to the Mystical Olive Tree. 

            We present in the following some details of the exemplary lives of those whom today We have elevated to the glory of the altars.

            1.-  Saint Victor III, Pope.

            Known in the world as Daufar, he belonged to the Lombardian family of the Dukes of Benevento.  Desiring to serve God as a monk, at the age of 20, after the death of his father who wished him to marry, the youth went to live as a hermit, but his family forced him to return home, where he was kept under surveillance. Finally after a year, the young Daufar fled from home and took refuge in the Monastery of La Cava.  However, his family now accepted his vocation, and he was able to enter the Monastery of Santa Sofia in Benevento, under the name of Desiderio.  But as this turned out to be not what the young man was seeking, he tried another monastery, studied medicine, lived as a hermit, all without finding his goal.  Finally he came to know of the Benedictines of Monte Casino, and there he entered, ultimately becoming Abbot. At the Papal Conclave, the Saint supported the election of Pope Nicholas II, and this Pope named him Cardinal.

            The holy Cardinal Desiderio was one of the great Abbots of Monte Casino.  During his government the monastery achieved its greatest splendour, with the increase in the number of monks, the practice of virtue, and strict observance of the Holy Rule.  The holy Abbot enjoyed the confidence of the Holy See, as Papal Vicar in many regions, and was a great defender of the papacy against the ambitions of the Emperor.

            The Pontificate of his predecessor, the great reformer Saint Gregory VII, had been a turning point in the history of the Church.  In order to liberate and purify the Church, this great Pope had devoted himself to a heroic battle against every kind of abuse, hurling excommunication even against the Emperor himself.  His last words had been: "I have loved justice and hated iniquity, and for this I die in exile".

            One year after the death of Saint Gregory VII, Cardinal Desiderio was elected Pope by acclamation on the 24th May, 1086, which dignity he accepted not until 10 months later, taking the name of Victor III.  Meanwhile, the See of Rome was occupied by the antipope Ghiberto de Ravenna (Clemente III), placed by the Emperor Henry IV.  Hardly had he been crowned in Rome, 9th May, 1087, when Saint Victor III, great lover of peace, and so ill that he could rarely celebrate Holy Mass, found it impossible to remain in Rome and see the City of the Apostles turned into a battlefield. After presiding at a Synod in Benevento, whence he renewed anathema against the Emperor, dying, he was taken to his monastery, where he gave up his soul to God 16th September, 1087.  He had been Pope 4 months. He was beatified by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

            2.- Saint Urban II, Pope.

            He was born in Chatillon-sur-Marne (France), in 1042.  Called Odo de Lagery in the world, he took the holy habit in Cluny, that great centre of monastic life, whose reform was the most far-reaching force in the 11th century. That great reformer, Saint Gregory VII, had been educated in a Cluniac monastery, and Saint Urban II, great reformer also, became Abbot of Cluny, then Cardinal of Ostia, and counselor of Saint Gregory VII.

            Saint Victor III, on his death-bed, named him for his successor, and the Cardinals elected him Pope by acclamation 12th March, 1088, when he took the name of Urban II. Hardly elected Pope, he communicated his election and his intentions to the German Bishops. "Have confidence in me, as in blessed Gregory, whose footsteps I will follow exactly". He rejected all that the former had rejected, condemned what he had condemned, and embraced whole-heartedly all that Saint Gregory VII had loved. On his ascending the Papal throne, another great reformer, Saint Peter Damian, wrote: "Peter is preparing his nets to cast them into the deep waters". As Rome was in the hands of the antipope Clemente III (Guiberto de Ravenna), Saint Urban II could not enter the city unless he wished to take possession of his palace by force of arms. Confronted with the invasion of the Emperor Henry IV, he withdrew to the south of Italy, where he worked to improve Church discipline.  Returned to Rome in 1093, and not wishing to wage war against the people, he did not live in the palace of Saint Peter, but in another place, and reduced to the greatest poverty. In this pontificate was conceived the first Crusade. Saint Urban II went preaching through France, raising an army, granting plenary indulgences to all who enrolled exclusively for religious motives. The "truce of God" was imposed, and clerics and young spouses were counseled not to participate in the crusade.  The 25th October, 1095, the Pope consecrated the High Altar of the Basilica of Cluny, then under construction. The Basilica came to symbolize the triumph of the Pontificate over the Emperor. A few days later, Saint Urban II was to take up arms, and to march to the conquest of Jerusalem, and to liberate the Sacred Places from the hands of the infidels.

            Saint Urban II accomplished a Pontificate of great service to the Church and to all Christendom, promulgating disciplinary decrees, confronting with valour sovereigns and recalcitrant hierarchies, demonstrating what great efficacy there is in ecclesiastical censures, even against persons of greatest power.  The holy Pontiff had great love for the poor, and was very devoted to the Most Holy Virgin. He died 29th July, 1099, recognized by the people as a saint.  He was beatified in 1881 by Saint Leo XIII the Great.

3.-  Saint Eugene III, Pope.

            He was born in Montemagno, near Pisa (Italy), and received the name of Peter in baptism. After holding office in the Episcopal Curia of Pisa, in 1135 he entered the Cistercian monastery of Clairvaux, where the great Saint Bernard was superior, taking himself the same name of Bernard. At that time the Cistercian Order was the great centre of spirituality, as had been the Order of Cluny during the previous century.  A convent was formed at Rome, and Bernard was sent, and as abbot he gained the admiration and affection of all.  The 15th February, 1145, the Abbot Bernard was elected pope by the Cardinals, for unknown reasons, unless perhaps it was simply his sanctity. He took the name of Eugene III, while the pontificate that awaited him was not at all to be a peaceful one. However, without being a warrior or a diplomat, this Pope and monk knew how to face every obstacle with decision. Rome at the time was a kettle of political passions. Pressed to give approbation to the republican constitution and to the usurping Senate, he flatly refused this abdication of his proper powers, and had to leave Rome. No one, not even the emperor, Conrad III, took a step to help the Pope. Meanwhile the mob, with the authority of the Senate, planted their military machines in Saint Peter's, and went on sacking and murdering with impunity. Saint Eugene III, treated ably with the faithful of the Roman countryside, impeding the consignment of provisions to the city; and the Senate had to capitulate. Saint Eugene III recovered his powers, the Roman prefecture was re-established, and the Pope entered Rome in procession to celebrate the Christmas of the year 1145.  Once again Saint Eugene III had to leave the Eternal City.  Availing himself of the invitation of the French king, he went to preach the Second Crusade, returning to Italy in 1148, after the failure of the Crusade. A chronicler of the time writes of Saint Eugene III:  "He merited the supreme dignity of the Pontificate, being of great goodness, extraordinary discretion. His countenance shone not alone of joy, but with jubilation".  A certain Saint Anthony said of him that 'he was one of the greatest pontiffs, who suffered most'.  Saint Eugene III always kept the heart of a monk, never laying aside the habit, nor the austerities of the Cistercians.  He died at Rome, 8th July, 1153, and was beatified by Saint Pius IX the Great, in 1872.

            4.- Saint Gregory X, Pope.

            Teobaldo Visconti was born in Piacenza of an illustrious family in 1210.  In youth he distinguished himself for piety and meritorious studies.  He was archdeacon when he received from Pope Clement IV the order to preach the Crusade. Teobaldo then undertook the dangerous voyage to the Holy Land.  The 1st September, 1271, he was elected Pope, and, returning to Rome, was ordained Priest the 19th March 1272, consecrated Bishop, and crowned Pope in Saint Peter's the 27th March of the same year, taking the name of Gregory X.  In order to organize the recapture of the Holy Land, he convened an Ecumenical Council, the 2nd of Lyons.  Among those who assisted were Saint Albert the Great, Saint Philip Benizi; Saint Thomas Aquinas died on route, and Saint Bonaventure died during the Council.  In the 4th Session, the Emperor and the Patriarch of the East re-established communion between the Byzantine Church and the Holy See.  The Pope could not contain his tears during the Te Deum.  Sad to say, the reconciliation was to endure but a short while.  After the Council, the Pope devoted himself to putting the Decrees into practice, especially those referring to the Crusade, which however never came to completion.  The fatigues of the Council, the return to Rome over the Alps, exhausted the strength of the Pope, who died in Arezzo the 16th January, 1276.  Brief was the Pontificate of this kindly and peace-loving Pope, but it was tranquil and fruitful. He was beatified by Benedict XIV.

            5.- Saint Innocent V, Pope.

            This, the first Dominican Pope, received the name of Peter at baptism, and called de Tarantaise after the place of his birth (Loire, France).  He became one of the most notable theologians of his time, meriting the title of 'Doctor famosissimus'.  Pope Saint Gregory X held him in high esteem, and in 1272 named him Archbishop of Lyons, and a year later Cardinal Bishop of 0sti.  In the 2nd Council of Lyons, Cardinal Peter de Tarantaise played an important role.  Thanks in great measure to the clarity and precision of his discourses, there was achieved the reunion of the Byzantine Church with the See of Rome.  At the death of Saint Gregory X, he was unanimously elected Pope.  His brief pontificate of some few months, 20th January, 1276 to 22 June 1276, was distinguished for the efforts to re-establish peace among the Italian states, and to promote unity with the Byzantines.  The cult of Saint Innocent V was approved by Saint Leo XIII the Great in 1898 on the occasion of his beatification, and his name was added to the martyrology as a pontiff "who laboured for concord among the Christians".

            6.-  Saint Benedict XI, Pope.

            Nicholas Boccasini was born in Treviso (Italy) in 1240.  At the age of 17, he took the habit of Saint Dominic.  In 1296 he was named Superior General of the Order and two years later elevated to the Cardinalate, and named Bishop of Ostia.  The Supreme Pontiff sent him to Hungary, where for his competence, prudence and impartiality, successfully accomplishing a difficult mission, he won the respect of all, and was recalled to Rome.  For some time the Holy See had been at odds with King Philip IV of France.  Pope Boniface VIII had published that famous Bull 'Unam Sanctam,' in which, among other matters, he determined the relationship between temporal powers and the spiritual power.  Philip had convened a General Council in order to judge the Pope.  Boniface VIII had to flee, abandoned by all but the Cardinal Bishop of Sabina and the Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, Nicholas Boccasini.  Boniface VIII hurled excommunication against the King of France. Certain adherents of Philip IV broke into the residence of the Supreme Pontiff, and took him captive.  After 3 days, he was put at liberty, returned to Rome and died a month later.  The holy Cardinal Nicholas Boccasini was elected Pope, taking the name of Benedict XI.  With complete confidence in God, in keeping with his irreproachable integrity, he devoted himself to resolving the problem.  However, in his brief pontificate he had scarcely time to take even the first steps toward the re-establishment of peace.  The pope continued to practice the mortifications and penances of a religious, with the humility and modesty that were always characteristic of him.  Saint Benedict XI reigned only 8 months and a few days.  Nevertheless, in this brief time, he promoted in extraordinary measure the peace of the Church, the re-establishment of discipline, and the progress of religion.  He died suddenly in Perugia, 7th July, 1304, and was beatified by Clement XII in 1736.

            7.-  Saint Urban V, Pope.

            He was born in 1310 of noble parentage in the castle of Grisac (Languedoc, France).  Called William of Grimoard, he entered the Benedictine Order and become Abbot of Saint Victor in Marseilles.  Unexpectedly, he was elected Pope on the 28th September, 1362.  The holy monk came to Avignon, taking the name Urban V.  This monk, saintly and austere, became the Head of Christendom when Europe was experiencing a time of terrible turbulence:  anarchy, violence, political dissolution, and the growing menace of the half-moon.   Always humble, he knew how to maintain the prestige and dignity of his office.  When princes knelt before him to kiss his feet, he repeated silently the words of the psalmist:  "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Thy Name is due the glory".  In the time of this simple and humble Pope, the tiara assumed its definitive form, with the addition of the uppermost of the three crowns.  He issued decrees for the correcting of abuses, built churches, favoured the arts, sciences and letters; and under his protection Universities were built.  He deeply desired unity among the Christian Kings in order to launch a Crusade against the ancient enemy of Christendom.  But the great undertaking of his Pontificate was to restore the Papal See to Rome, exiled in Avignon.  In 1367, Saint Urban V entered Rome, where no Pope had set his foot for more than 50 years.  Seeing the city and the great basilicas in a state of ruin, he could not restrain his tears.  With holy energy, he dedicated himself to the task of rebuilding. Within a short time, he had given work to all, and the provisions were being distributed to the poor.  God wished to reward the holy Pontiff with a great even:  the Emperor Charles IV came to Rome to confirm the accord between The Western Empire and the Church.  Because of innumerable political complications, besides his bad health, Saint Urban decided to return to France.  The Romans begged him to remain, and the great mystic Saint Bridget prophesied that if he left Rome he would soon die.  Arriving at Avignon, and sensing his near death, he had himself borne, not to the papal palace, but to a humble private house.  There, crucifix in hand, he died most holily, 19th December, 1370, clothed in the Benedictine habit, which he had never put aside.  The Christian people continued to revere him, coming to his tomb in the Abbey of Saint Victor in Marseilles.  He was beatified by Saint Pius IX the Great, in 1870.

            8.-  Saint Calixtus III, Pope.

            Alfonso de Borja was born in the tower of Canals, near Jativa (Valencia, Spain), 31st December, 1378.  He belonged to a family of gentry, distinct from the better known family of the Borgias.  He attained the reputation of one of the leading jurists of his time.  To the activity of Alfonso de Borja was due the abdication of the antipope Clement VIII, and in recompense he was elevated in 1429 to the Episcopal See of Valencia, and to the Cardinalate in 1444.  In 1455, he was elected Pope, with the name of Calixtus III, beiing 76 years of age.  One of the first acts of his pontificate was the canonisation of Saint Vincent Ferrer, who had prophesied of the Pontiff: "You will be vested with the highest dignity that mortal man can attain, and I myself, after my death, will be the object of your particular veneration".  At the Conclave itself that elected him, the Pope made a solemn vow, that was later diffused through all the nations:  I, Pope Calixtus III, promise and vow to the Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to the ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to the whole Court of Heaven, that I will devote myself entirely, shedding my blood if necessary, and will use all diligence, with the counsel of My venerable brethren, to the reconquest of Constantinople, the liberation of Christian prisoners, the exaltation of the true faith, and the extermination of the diabolical sect of Mohammed."    At once it was seen that the Pope was of an integrity, rectitude and impartiality superior to anything the politicians of Rome had imagined.  Above the many discords and bitter trials, Saint Calixtus III rose to the most sublime heights as Head of Christendom, his voice magnificently vibrant with an ideal that was then in decline:  the Crusade against the enemies of the Faith.  No one would have imagined in an old and infirm man, as he was, the passion, impetuosity and unyielding tenacity of Saint Calixtus III.  The Pope ordered that each day, throughout Christendom, the bells be rung at noon, calling to prayer and penance.  God heard the prayers of His Church and granted the great victory of Belgrade, where the military power of Mahomet II was crushed.  Saint Calixtus II instituted the Feast of the Transfiguration on the 6th August, in memory of that great triumph.  In 1458 the saintly Pope died on the very day of this Feast.

            9.-  Saint Innocent XI, Pope.

            Benedetto Odescalchi was born of a noble family of Como (Italy), 19th March, 1611.  As a youth he belonged to the Marian confraternities, was a lover of purity and the practise of charity.  He thought of opening a commercial bank, and rather more of a military career.  It was not until 1640 that he decided to enter religion.  He was soon appointed Protonotary Apostolic by the Pope, and in 1645, at the age of 34, he received the Cardinalate.  On the 21st September, 1676, he was unanimously elected Pope, taking the name Innocent XI.   A declared enemy of nepotism, he summoned his nephew on the day of his election, and assured the nephew, who was no doubt dreaming of the purple, that he need not expect any favour, and though he might daily be admitted into the Vatican, it would be to pray the Rosary together.  The holy pontiff was of high stature, ascetic appearance, and reserved in manner.  He abhorred luxury, and was most faithful to duty.  The greatest conflicts of this pontificate were with Louis XIV of France, whom Saint Innocent XI confronted valiantly in defense of the rights of the Holy See and the liberty of the Church.  At every turn he displayed an integrity of character worthy of the greatest Popes and reformers.  He knew how to take counsel but, having once made a decision for the good of the Church, nothing could make him yield.  He re-established the economy of the Church, suppressing all luxury.  He revised the system of taxation, taking care not to burden the poor, and to exact strict payment from the rich.  He thus formed some capital, useful to succour the poor during times of need, and to make war against the Turks.  When a Turkish armada laid siege to Vienna, the great marshal of the Polish troops, King Jan Sobieski, and the Duke Charles of Lorraine, crushed the military power of the half-moon, 12th September, 1633.  Saint Innocent XI, in gratitude to Our Lady, ordered the celebration on that date in the Universal Church of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.  In ecclesiastical matters, Saint Innocent proceeded with a strong hand, as the circumstances required.   He issued decrees on decency in dress, purity of customs, the conduct of the clergy, and promoted the Decrees of the Council of Trent.  His norms were severe, his conduct rigorous, and he enjoyed a reputation for sanctity, and with this reputation he died on the 7th October, 1639, burdened with years and merits.  He was interred in Saint Peter's; Pope Saint Pius XII the Great beatified him.

            10.- Saint Ceferino de Namuncura.

            Called 'Lilly of the Plains of Patagonia',             he was born in Chimpay, Rio Negro (Argentina), 26th Angust, 1886, and was baptized in the year 1888, in which Saint John Bosco died.  He was son of the famous Araucan Indian Chief Manuel Namancura, 'King of the Plains', who had finally been subjugated in 1884 by General Roca.  At the age of 11, he entered the College of Saint Francis, and later in 1897 was accepted in a Salesian College.  Within a few weeks, Ceferino showed great progress.  He was joyful, and became the joy of his fellows.  With angelic devotion he daily visited the Chapel, while he studied Christian Doctrine.  The Father Director had told him, "when you learn your catechism well, you may make your first communion". The 8th September, 1898, he received First Holy Communion, and thereafter was transformed into a seraph of love for Jesus and for Mary, Help of Christians.  The Saint would say:  "Jesus, protect my brothers, because if they do not love You, it is because they do not know You".  After a conference on the Patagonian missions, he expressed the desire to be a missionary of his countrymen, confined to the foot of the Andean mountains.  His health suffered the change of climate, and his superiors sent him to the agricultural school of Uribelarrea.  Saint Ceferino developed in virtue and wisdom, sang beautifully, and was the heart of the choir.  He constantly studied.  In Viedma (Rio Negro), he recommenced the study of Latin, besides being sacristan and bell-ringer, "a sweet office, truly enviable", as he expressed in his writings.  The 27th September 1904, Pope Saint Pius X received him in audience. Saint Ceferino presented the Holy Father with a beautiful Patagonian quilt.  The Pope said to him, "May the Lord bless your desires", and he gave him the medal 'ad principes'.  Returning to Turin, his health failed because of the cold winter.  At the end of April he was taken dying to Rome, where he passed away in sanctity, 11th May, 1905.  Since 1924, his body lies in Fort Mercedes. 

            11.-  Saint Mary Catherine McAuley.

            She was born in 1778 in Ireland.  Of great prayer, penance, humility and love for the poor, when she was young she endured hard trials in defence of her faith, living as she did, in the home of protestant relatives.  She received a large inheritance and, with the blessing of that great Archbishop of Dublin, Saint Daniel Murray, she devoted it to works of charity, and opened the House of Mercy.  Her program included asylum for unemployed servants, help for the poor, sick and needy, and the education of girls.  From the start, the Saint and her helpers observed a disciplined life, and this later developed into the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, approved in 1835 by His Holiness Gregory XVI..  During the life of the holy Foundress, the Congregation developed a great apostolate of charity and education.  After her death on the 11th November, 1841, the Congregation continued to grow in prodigious fashion.  The Saint would say, "I would rather be cold and hungry than that the poor be deprived of the consolation that I could give them."

            12.-  Saint Joseph Shanahan

            This missionary Bishop was born 6th June, 1871, in the old parish of Glankeen in the mountains of Tipperary (Ireland), where pure Catholic blood has flowed in the veins of the 'mountainy men' since the seventh century.  At the age of 13 he was sent to France, to study with the Holy Ghost Fathers, returning to Ireland in 1897, and was ordained Priest in 1902. The same year he arrived in Southern Nigeria.  In 1905, already apostolic prefect, and considering the small fruit of his exhausting apostolate, he decided to imitate Saint Patrick, leave the periphery of paganism, and penetrate into the heart of the country.  There he would prepare for his apostolate by starting schools.  These would change the thinking of the people, and thus would be solved the problems of paganism, slavery, and so forth. By this challenge to the enemy within his own citadel, the zeal of the fathers was inflamed, and the missionaries prepared to sally forth to meet the perils of the Nigerian bush with the cries:  "Long live the bush! Long live the bush!"  In 1932, having retired from the missionary camp, now Bishop and Vicar Apostolic, he could contemplate from his Irish monastery a flourishing Nigerian Church. But with his humility, he could not imagine that it was the fruit of his own virtues, of his paternal love for his spiritual children, and of a most singular missionary intuition, combined with complete devotion.  This holy Patriarchal figure, another Saint Patrick, in appearance as in spirit, died in Ireland on Christmas day, 1943.  His body awaits the resurrection in the Cathedral of Onitsha, Nigeria.

            13.-  Saint Alphonse Lambe.

            He was born 24th June, 1932, near Tullamore (Offaly, Ireland), of a pious family of farmers.  As a lad, he preferred books of devotions to games.  As a youth he made a trial of the Christian Brothers, but his health obliged him to leave.  Devoted as he was to Mary Immaculate, he recognized his true vocation at the age of 18 in the Legion of Mary. In 1953 he was appointed by the Consilium of the Legion as envoy to South America.  He departed from Ireland, l6th July, for Santa Fe de Bogota (Colombia).  There he was received by the Cardinal Archbishop and the Nuncio Apostolic. It was a time of great need for Catholic Action, and the Bishops of the Spanish American nations received the Legion of Mary with great enthusiasm.  Tireless traveller, Saint Alphonse Lambe accomplished a great apostolate in Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, devoted to every social class, Indians, lepers, prisoners, all with complete self-sacrifice.  Saint Alphonse Lambe, whose surname in Spanish is 'cordero', was called 'corderito' (little lamb), and died on the feast of Saint Agnes (Agnus is Latin for lamb), 'the lamb whiter than snow', on the 21st January, 1959.  His body reposes in the cemetery of the Christian Brothers in Buenos Aires.

            14.- Saint Herman Ludwig Wijns.

            He was born 15th March 1931, in Merhsem (Holland).  He was brought up religiously and with great care.  The saintly child learnt courage from his father, who, losing all his means, accepted God's will with Christian resignation.  At the age of 5 he commenced school, where he was the foremost in studies.  He practised the mortifications of Lent, and at the age of 6 received First Communion.  He had deep love for the Eucharist and the Holy Mass, communicating daily. When his father asked him what he would be, the child replied, 'Priest, papa; if not, then nothing'. He was acolyte, and was able to imitate the celebration of Holy Mass, observing the rubrics and the Latin text.  He recited the Rosary daily with his father; and, though the family knew poverty, cold and hunger, the saint persevered at daily Mass, rising early in order to serve as acolyte. One day, he replied to his father's question: "No, no, papa, I would never miss a Mass!"  Since he was so close to the altar, the holy acolyte said with simplicity: "If you wish some grace from the Lord, ask through me, because I am so near Him."  On one occasion, the Priest, turning to say the 'Orate fratres', saw the acolyte surrounded by light.  He fell sick, and foretold his death.  Miraculously cured, he had an accident which caused him much suffering. He was observed in a mystical state while celebrating his 'mass', and at the elevation he fixed his eyes on something invisible.   "I have seen our sweet Mother. Now I cannot look at anything in the world."   He died on the 26th May, 1941. His miracles are many throughout the world.

            15.-  Saint Jose Mach y Escriu.

            He was born in Barcelona (Spain), 3rd May, 1810.  At the age of 15, he entered the Society of Jesus, and made his studies in Madrid.  There, that memorable day, 17th July, 1834, arrived, when so many of his fellows were murdered; and so the Saint had to leave Spain for exile, only because he was of the Jesuits.  He went to France, and there he was ordained Priest, residing in a Jesuit House in Belgium, where he carried out a great apostolate by means of missions and preaching.  Returning to Spain in 1849, he preached missions in the Catalonian mountain region, and the fame of his preaching spread everywhere. Various Bishops called upon him to preach the Gospel to their people, and the Spiritual Exercises to clerics and religious.  Saint Jose Mach was the tireless missioner and writer of many spiritual books of great worth, fervent apostle of devotion to Mary Most Holy, and example of every virtue of the good religious.  He died in holy joy, 26th July, 1885.

            16.- Saint Juan Gonzalez Arintero.

            He was born in Lugueros (Leon, Spain), in 1860.  As a child he felt the call to religion, and in 1875 entered the Dominican Order in Corias (Asturias).  Besides ecclesiastical studies, he pursued the natural sciences at the University of Salamanca, where he was deeply impressed by the spirituality, as well as by the Dominican community expelled from France. Within the Order he filled various offices, also professor, and writer on scientific subjects, in which he placed great hopes for the salvation of religion and souls.  Step by step he turned to greater contemplation of things supernatural, and during the last 25 years of his life, he devoted himself wholly to the things of God.  A religious of his Order used to say:  "If our Father Saint Dominic were living, would he live otherwise than does Father Arintero?"  After an unceasing labour, writing books and articles, directing souls, he died in sanctity in the Convent of Saint Stephen at Salamanca, 20th February, 1928.

            17.- Saint Luisa de Carvajal y Mendoza.

            She was born in her ancestral home of Xaraizejo, near Plasencia (Spain), of a family of high nobility and great riches, but above all of great Christian virtue, on the 2nd January, 1568, where she was brought up to practice every virtue.  While very young, she showed a spirit of mortification and a profound sensibility for those who suffered.  An orphan at 6 years, she went to live with relatives, who reared her with all severity. During her youth she was very devoted to the Passion, and desired to die for Christ, practising continual mortifications of every kind, hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and heroic obedience, all of this as well during the years she lived in the Royal Palace of Madrid.   Having refused a very desirable proposal of marriage, and knowing by divine inspiration that her path lay not in religion, she awaited the day when a most singular vocation would be hers, meanwhile devoting herself to the practise of piety.  At 26 years, she established herself with her devout companions in a humble lodging in order to follow the evangelical counsels. For 10 years she practised every virtue with works of charity, in a life of complete austerity, receiving many graces of mystical prayer.  Twenty years passed since she had first been inspired to go to England and offer herself for the persecuted Catholics.  She went to London in 1606, taking a miserable lodging in an obscure and dangerous street of the city.  For 9 years, Saint Luisa de Carvajal y Mendoza exercised every spiritual and corporal work of mercy on behalf of the persecuted.  She frequented the prisons, stood at the foot of the gallows cheering the condemned, buried the dead, converted heretics and vacillating Catholics.  While the mob would jeer her, her honour obliged her to fulfill her mission. Put into a dungeon, she died soon after being allowed to leave, on the 2nd January, 1614, her birthday.   Her body reposes in the Convent of the Incarnation of the Augustinian Nuns in Madrid.

            18.- Saint Maria Teresa Josefina Dudzik.

            She was born 30th August, 1860 in Plocicz (Pomorze, Poland) of a rustic family of deep faith, and was carefully brought up in piety and Christian virtue.  In 1881, the family moved to Chicago where they encountered the grave social problems and the economic crisis of the time.  Remaining alone with her mother, the saint worked as dressmaker for the support of the two.  Aware of the poverty of the neighbours, she began to help them, carrying out works of mercy beyond ordinary measure.  She refused a very handsome offer of marriage because, as she wrote, 'I felt the misery and pain of others.  It seemed I could not love Jesus or hope for heaven without suffering.  I felt a constant impulse to make sacrifices for others,- for the poor, the sick.  The thought never left me:  it remained day and night'.  In prayer she received the inspiration to start the work in a house near the parish church. She presented the project to the young ladies of the 3rd Order of Saint Francis, and with the approval of the Parish Priest, she established on the 8th December, 1894, the first community of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Cunegunda.  Twenty-four years of work were to follow.  Her own house was her first convent.  Unable to refuse the poor who sought help, she hired another larger house, working for years in a laundry.  With the fruits of the work of her own hands she purchased grounds, and built the House of Saint Joseph.  Besides helping the aged and infirm, she would work as well in the house and garden.  The governing of the house was taken from her, and the Saint accepted God's will, working as a simple sister gardener.  Dying of a most painful illness, forgotten by all, she saw another religious acclaimed founder of her own Congregation.  Laden with the merits of her many charitable labours, the humble Saint died, 20th September, 1918.

            19- Saint Maximilian Raymond Kolbe, martyr.

            He was born in Zdunka Wola, near Lodz (Poland), 8th January, 1894.  An authentic Pole, he had the spirit of a warrior, with profound love for the Mother of God.  As a child he had a vision of the Most Holy Virgin holding two crowns, one white and the other red.  The Virgin told him to choose one:  the white signified purity, and the red, martyrdom.  The lad chose both.  On another occasion he promised the Virgin that he would wage war for Her.  In 1910, he entered the Franciscans, receiving the name Maximilian, later coming to Rome to study at the Pontifical Gregorian University.  The Franciscan spirituality concerning the Immaculate Virgin filled his mind:  the eternal enmity between the Immaculate and Satan, her singular participation in the warfare and Victory of the Divine Redeemer . . .             all this gave the Saint to understand that the armament of conquest for establishing the Reign of Christ was the Immaculate Herself.  When the enemies of Christ, in 1917, were celebrating the second centenary of an important date of satanical Masonry, Saint Maximilian saw unfurled in Saint Peter's Square the banner with the words: "Satan will reign in the Vatican".   To combat the followers of Satan, Saint Maximilian conceived the 'Militia of Mary Immaculate', whose first meeting took place in the University on the17th October, 1917.  The 28th April, 1918, he was ordained Priest, and returning to Poland, he continued to direct his work, in spite of tuberculosis.  The work kept growing miraculously, and in 1922, in Grodno, near Cracovia, the militia developed in the Franciscan House under the guardianship of the Saint, with an apostolate of the press.  In 1927 near Warsaw, he founded the City of the Immaculate, with 3 publications.  In 1931, he founded another City in Nagasaki, 'The Garden of the Immaculate'. For reasons of health, he returned to Poland in 1936, continuing the work and founding the Radio City of the Immaculate.  He died in a concentration camp, on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin in 1941, supporting all his sufferings with heroic patience and great love for his neighbour.  He was beatified by Saint Paul VI, martyr, 17th October, 1971.

            20.-   Saint Claire Marie Louise Terchaud.

            She was born the 5th of May, 1896, in the village of Rinfillieres, near Loublande (Charentes, France), of humble parents, diligent and holy.  Still a babe, the Child Jesus began to visit her as Master of the spiritual life.  Besides teaching her the Our Father and Hail Mary, and much else, He made her walk for the first time, to the amazement of all.  From her first Communion, the Saint received graces of purification, suffering temptations and longing to receive the Blessed Sacrament.  Having consecrated herself as slave to the Most Blessed Virgin, she continued to receive graces of profound prayer, revelations of the secrets of the Sacred Heart, with the lamentations of Jesus over France.  At 18, making a vow of chastity, she came to understand the desire of her childhood,- to be a victim for the Church and for France.  The Saint had a vision of the Divine Heart weeping over France, shedding torrents of Blood, with multiple wounds, and a wound in the centre dividing It in two.  This vision signified the official atheism of France.  Masonry besieging Catholic France, the degeneration of priests, and the abundance of every kind of sin.  In order to obtain the spiritual revival of France, it was necessary to place the Divine Heart in the centre of the National Emblem.  In order to accomplish this, the Saint obtained an audience with the President of the Republic.  She founded a Congregation, which was the occasion for great suffering, incomprehension and persecution for many years, all of which she accepted with heroic humility and obedience.  She died on the 29th January, 1972, and on her grave in Loublande, there is the inscription, 'The Servant of God, Claire, 1896 - 1972, humble victim of expiation. She was obedient unto death, in the love of the Church and of France'.

            21.-  Saint Mario Angelique de Jesus Bisiaux

            Called in the world Yvonne Bisiaux, she was born in France in 1893.  While young she had difficulties with her family when she tried to live in accord with her inspirations and graces.  Her behaviour towards her parents was so perfect that she deserves to be called 'the little martyr of filial love'.  The Saint said:  "Jesus made my soul a soul of joy, and I long to see joy shining in all souls".  She made of the piano her instrument of prayer, until the day Jesus asked her to sacrifice her art.  Still in the family, she vowed total self-denial and hidden prayer.  At 21, she entered the Carmelite convent at Pontoise.  During the 5 years of her religious life of the most profound prayer, she showed a constant love for others. Authentic daughter of Saint Teresa, the young Carmelite, with ardent zeal for the salvation of souls, brought to light the unspeakable love of the Heart of Jesus. She died in 1919.

            22.- Saint Mary Frances Margaret Sinclair.

            In the world called Margaret Sinclair, she was born in Edinburgh (Scotland), 29th March, 1900, of a poor family. Her father was an honourable and pious man.  Living in a metropolitan and industrialized city, where workers feverishly pursued money and pleasure, the young Saint, model of a Christian working girl, while employed in various factories, remained devoted to life at home.  She was an angel of purity, contemplation and deep silence, visiting the Churches of the city, and spending long hours before the Blessed Sacrament.  Full of charity towards all, she never refused her neighbour a smile.  She did not marry, although she had the opportunity, and at 23 entered as a lay-sister with the Poor Clares of London.  She lived only two years as a religious, during which she practised every virtue with simplicity and complete self-sacrifice.  She passed her last 7 months in the Louise de Marillac Sanatorium of the Sisters of Charity, supporting intense sufferings caused by tuberculosis of the throat, always with heroic patience and sweetest servility. She offered all for the salvation of souls, dying on the 24th November, 1925.  Her body reposes in the Liberton cemetery of Edinburgh.

            23.- Saint Mabel Digby.

            This valiant, indomitable and very lovable saint was born on the 7th April, 1835, of a very distinguished protestant family in Ashford House, near Staines (Middlesex, England).  Her mother said of her 'That child will be either a devil or a saint'.  In 1835, the family took up residence in France.  Mabel dedicated herself to social work for the poor, old and infirm. The holy Cure of Ars said to her Catholic friends:  "Soon God will take possession of her heart".  Visiting a Church with her friends, she deliberately seated herself during the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  But as the Bishop was giving the triple blessing with the monstrance, the Saint suddenly fell to her knees, as though transported, her countenance aglow, shedding abundant tears.  Coming to herself, she said: "I am a Catholic.  Jesus Christ has looked at me," imagining, as she later said, that this happened to everyone.  She was baptized by the Bishop on the 19th March, 1853, taking the names Mary Josephine, and for special Patron Saint Joseph.  From that time she had great love for the Society of Jesus and desired to enter religion.  In 1857 she entered the Congregation of the Sacred Heart, in the Convent of Marmoutiers near Tours, and at once showed the spirit of a mature religious.  To her could be applied the words of Saint Pius IX the Great, "A religious who perfectly keeps the Rule is 'ipso facto' a Saint."  The 4th November, 1864, on the occasion of her solemn vows, she implored the grace rather to die than commit the least sin. She discharged various offices, and came to be Superior General of the Congregation.  Towards the end of her life, having been the admiration of the Popes Saint Pius IX the Great, Saint Leo XIII the Great, and Saint Pius X, of Cardinals, Bishops, religious and faithful of all ages, she was to face a most difficult task that the Lord chose to give her.  and she accomplished it with serenity and invincible confidence.  The infamous French government of that day, precursor of antichrist, was dispossessing the monasteries.  The Mother General had to close 48 houses, and for each one closed, she opened another abroad, so that each and every nun was able to continue her life in religion with hardly an interruption. What a prodigious work! what admirable Christian energy!  The Saint died on the 21st May, 1911, in the Mother House of that time in Ixelles, near Bruxelles (Belgium).  Her body reposes near the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, in Mother Digby's first foundation in Roehampton (England).

            24.- Saint Janet Stuart

            She was born on the 11th November, 1857, of a distinguished Scottish family, in the village of Cotlesmore (Rutland, England), her father being rector of the Anglican parish. When her mother died in 1859, the child used to meditate on the meaning of death.  At 6 years, she went to her mother's grave, and imitating the Lord at the sepulcher of Lazarus, prayed and called loudly: "Mother, come forth!"  Of decisive and firm character, she commenced at 21 to read books about the Catholic Faith, and she entered the Church 6th March, 1879.  She entered the Congregation of the Sacred Heart at Roehampton, being received by the Superior, Mother Mabel Digby who, recognizing the worth of this soul, took special care of her, as of promise for the future.  In her life of religious obedience, Saint Janet Stuart literally observed the words of the Lord:  "He who hears you, hears Me."  As Mistress of novices, the Saint had inexhaustible patience; as Superior, she had a mother's heart for all her daughters.  At the death of Mother General, Saint Mabel Digby, she was elected her successor, 27th August, 1911.  During the 3 years remaining until her death, she accomplished a most admirable mission, voyaging throughout the world, inspiring the whole Congregation with the love of the Sacred Heart.  "I have 6 thousand daughters, and I love each one".  Saint Janet Stuart died on the 20th October, 1914.  Her body reposes beside that of Saint Mabel Digby in Roehampton.

            25.-  Saint Augustine Mary of the Most Blessed Sacrament

            Born in Hamburg (Germany), 10th November, 1820, of an old Israelite family, Hermann Cohen, at the age of 12, went to Paris to perfect his precocious talent as pianist.  At 27, he was miraculously converted by the Blessed Sacrament. He founded in France the Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in 1848, and the following year entered the Order of the Discalced Carmelites.  His religious life was one of ardent love for the Eucharist, and for the Most Holy Virgin, whom he called 'Mother of the Eucharist'.  His superiors sent him to France, Germany and England, where he founded many Carmelite convents.  He had an ardent devotion for the Roman Pontiff, and was a great defender of Papal Infallibility.  In Lourdes, he was the first of the children of Israel who obtained a miraculous cure.  During the war of 1870, Saint Augustine Mary went to Berlin as chaplain for the French prisoners.  He died serving them, 20th January, 1871, after having converted many.  His body rests in Berlin.

            26.-  Saint Pio Brunoni Lanteri.

            He was born in 1759 in Cuneo (Piedmont, Italy), of a pious and humble family.  Despite poor health, he accomplished an enormous apostolate.  He established apostolic works among the laity, meriting the title conferred by Saint Pius IX the Great: "Precursor of Catholic Action".  Through the spreading of books and Catholic writings, he warded off the contagion of Gallicanism and Jansenism in many regions.  He arrived independently at formulating an act of consecration as slaves of the Most Holy Virgin in the manner of Saint Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort.  He founded the Missionary Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV), inculcating the imitation of Jesus and Mary.  Rich in the heroic practice of every virtue, Saint Pio Brunoni Lanteri died in 1830.

            27.-  Saint Luis Guanella

            He was born 19th December, 1842, in the mountain village of Campodolcino in Italy, near the Swiss border.  The 9th of 13 children of a country family profoundly Christian, at 8 years receiving First Holy Communion and full of grace, he consecrated himself completely to Jesus and Mary.  He continued to pasture his father's flocks until the age of 12, when he entered the seminary. He made great progress in virtue and study, and was a model for his companions. He became acquainted with the work of Saint John Bosco and with the work of St. Joseph Cottolengo, both great masters of the apostolate of charity, who incited the young cleric to their imitation. Ordained priest in 1866, he began his apostolate of charity and help for all: for the infirm, for the weak, the abandoned of all the district, befriending the youth, teaching catechism, until he extended the apostolate throughout the diocese, with the constant hope of founding an institute of refuge for all in need. The opportunity presented itself at the close of 1881.  Bearing with innumerable calamities, surmounting unending obstacles, he founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence and the Congregation of the Servants of Charity. In his hospices there was only one law - that of Christian charity. His strength exhausted, he died at the beginning of 1915, being 73 years of age, in his house at Como. He was beatified by Saint Paul VI, martyr, in 1964.

            28.- Saint Berchtold von_Regensburg

            He was born in Germany in the 13th century. A Franciscan, he missioned in much of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and in regions that today pertain to Czechoslovakia.  The greatest preacher of all times in the German language, wherever he went, enormous crowds came to hear him, at times as many as 200 thousand.  Since no church was large enough, he had to preach in the open at improvised pulpits. Extraordinary were the fruits of his preaching: sinners were converted in mass, mortal enemies were reconciled, robbers restored their booty. His contemporaries venerated him as a prophet sent by God, and called him a second Elias.

Princes sought him as counselor and confessor. Consumed by zeal, he died in the plenitude of life, December, 1272.  Until the protestant reform, his tomb was the object of many pilgrimages, from other countries as well as from Germany.

            29.- Saint Martin von Cochem

            He was born in Cochem, a picturesque German village beside the river Mosel. At 18, he entered the Capuchin Order, was ordained priest 1660, and was professor of philosophy and theology for the Order. At this time there appeared his first book, a little catechism. His superiors, observing his talent as a writer, freed him from other duties, in order to write religious books for the faithful. In all, he published 66 works, including books of devotion, lives of the saints, Church histories and a 'Life of Jesus', this latter many times reprinted. But his most famous work, the one most widely circulated, is his 'Explanation of the Mass', great for its profound faith, piety and unction. It was most widely read in the German speaking countries, and contributed greatly to the devotion to the Mass which Germans have professed up until the present day. It was translated also into numerous other languages. He himself had such devotion to the Mass, that he assisted at all the Masses possible. His superiors sent him frequently to various parts where, at times, he laboured in great danger, to improve the faith and morals of the people. He lived a life of utmost mortification.  For years he slept no more than 3 or 4 hours a day, he took no wine, nor did he eat fish or meat. He had an ardent love for the Blessed Virgin, the Blessed Sacrament, and the Most Holy Trinity. He died in the odour of sanctity, 10th September 1712.

            30.-  Saint Jan van Ruysbroek

            He was born in 1293 in Belgium in the village of Ruysbroek near Brussels, the most celebrated mystic of the 14th century.  He was ordained priest in 1318, and exercised his ministry in the Church of Saint Gudula in Brussels, leading a life of profound dedication to God.  Later he withdrew to the solitude of the Convent of Groenendael of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, where he became prior.  His continual union with Christ and his frequent ecstasies earned him the title of 'Doctor Exstaticus'.  His life, as spiritual as it was, did not keep him from fulfilling the most humble tasks in the community. He wrote 12 ascetical and mystical works.  He died at 88, and his cult was confirmed in 1908 by Saint Pius X.

            31.- Saint-Heinrich Suso (Seuse)

            He was born of noble family on the 21st March, 1295, in the city of Konstanz, by the lake of the same name (Germany).  At 13, he entered the Order of Preachers, and led a rigourously ascetic life.  God proved him with much suffering and trials of all kinds, and granted him the richest gifts and supernatural favours.  Of great goodness of character, he practised charity with unconquerable patience.  He was an extraordinary spiritual director for leading chosen souls to sanctity.  He was as well a true shepherd for guiding the simple.  He wrote various spiritual works of profound mysticism and tenderness, the best known of which is the "Book of Eternal Wisdom".  He died 25th January, 1365.  Three centuries later his body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt, exhaling a marvelous perfume. Pope Gregory XVI beatified him on 16th April,1831.

            32.-  Saint Johannes Tauler

            One of the greatest of German mystics and preachers of the Middle Ages, he was born about 1300 in Strasbourg. While still young, he entered the Order of Preachers, and was sent to Cologne for his studies.  He returned to Strasbourg, where the wisdom and fervour of his preaching won great admiration.  He wrote several religious and mystical works, ranking among the most beautiful, tender and profoundly spiritual German writings.  He died in sanctity 16th July, 1361.

            33.- Saint Johannes Justus von Landsberg

            He was born in Landsberg (Bavaria, Germany), in 1490.  He studied Theology and Philosophy in the University of Cologne, and in 1509 entered the austere Order of the Carthusians.  He used every opportunity for writing ascetical works.  His profound theological insight placed him among the wisest men of his time, and this extraordinary piety earned him the title of 'the Just'.  In 1520 he was appointed Master of Novices, and in 1530, Prior of the Charterhouse of Julich.  Tested as gold in the furnace, he died in Cologne, 11th August, 1539, after an infirmity of 4 years, with the fame of sanctity.  In 1630 his works were published in 5 volumes.

            34, Saint Louis de Blosius

            Of the family of de Blois, high French nobility, he was a page in the court of the future Emperor Charles V.  In 1620 he entered the Order of Benedictines in order to live a life of renunciation and self-surrender to God.  Quite soon, at the age of 24, he was elected Abbot, which office was for him the principal one of his life.  His duties did not prevent him from studying the Sacred Sciences, especially Sacred Scripture.  To this end, he acquired the Biblical languages of Hebrew, Greek and Latin, becoming an authentic master.  He also devoted himself to the study of the Fathers, and the great German mystics of the preceding two centuries; Saint Johannes Tauler, Saint Heinrich Suso, Saint Johannes Justus de Landsberg, and Saint Jan Ruysbroek, whom he translated into Latin.  He composed several small ascetical and mystical works.  For his unction and sweetness he was called a 'second Saint Bernard'.  He suffered intensely on account of the relaxation of Christian life in his time, and tried to improve the situation through his own prayer and spiritual life.  He resisted all the efforts of the Emperor Charles V to name him Bishop of Cambrai.  He desired to remain in his monastery where, at the age of 57, he died, 7th January, 1563, after ruling as Abbot 33 years.

            35.-  Saint Jordan de Sachson

            One of the first disciples of Saint Dominic in Germany, he entered the Order of Preachers in 1220 in Paris.  Still a novice, he was sent to the General Chapter of the Order in Bologne.  There he was elected Provincial of Lombardy, and in 1222 was elected Superior General, successor to Saint Dominic.  He laboured untiringly to extend and conserve the Order.  He founded Houses in Germany, Denmark, and other distant places.  By his preaching he drew multitudes of young students, among whom was Saint Albert the Great.  Among the first to fall into his nets was another famous professor, who preceded his students.  He not only interested himself in those who were gifted, but also in young aspirants of mediocre intelligence, for which he received complaints.  The Saint replied:  "Let them be, and do not disparage the little ones.  I tell you, many of these will become great preachers".

And time justified his words.  In 1237, he left for Palestine with two companions, and in a tempest at sea all were drowned, the body of the Saint coming to shore at the beach at Acca, where he was buried in the Church of the Order. A few days later, he appeared to a young Carmelite to confirm him in his vocation. Saint Jordan von Sachsen has since early times been attributed cult, confirmed in 1828.

            36.-  Saint Kreszentia Hoess von Kaufbeuren

            She was born in Kaufbeuren (Bavaria, Germany), of a very poor family, and was baptized with the name Anna.  At a very early age she distinguished herself for her love of Christ.  She was accustomed to pray in the Chapel of the Franciscan Sisters of Kaufbeuren, where once the Lord spoke to her from the Crucifix:  "One day you will live here".  Nevertheless she had many difficulties in trying to enter the Convent, because she had no dowry to bring with her.  Not until she was 21 did she fulfill her desire, when the mayor of the town required the admission of the Saint as condition for helping the sisters to buy a certain house.  Thus Saint Kreszentia entered the Order of Saint Francis.  However for want of a dowry, she had to endure many humiliations from her Superior and sisters.  The Sisters finally came to understand that they had a saint in their midst, and Saint Kreszentia came to be Novice Mistress and later Superior.  She had many visions and ecstasies.  Each Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. she suffered mystically the Passion of the Lord.  The devil attacked her with grave temptations.  The fame of her sanctity spread among the people.  Those who came to consult her left deeply impressed by her prudence and wisdom.  Lofty figures of Church end State came to see this daughter of a humble weaver, or corresponded with her.  She died in 1744.  Her grave is visited by many pilgrims even today.  She was beatified in 1900 by His Holiness Saint Leo XIII the Great. 

            37.-  Saint Alban Stolz

            He was born 3rd February, 1808, the last of 15 children of a pious family in Southern Germany.  Having studied jurisprudence, and after a profound interior struggle, he decided to become a priest and labour in the service of the Lord.  Ordained in 1833, he worked with great zeal in various parishes, until named professor of pastoral theology at the University of Freiburg in Breisgau, an office he fulfilled until his death.  As teacher he roused the enthusiasm of his students to become true ministers of the Lord.  Soon he began his principal apostolate as popular religious writer.  He wrote many books and articles defending the Faith and the Rights of the Church, combating errors and vices, strengthening and deepening the faith of the people, in a style both vigorous and tender.  Among his many works, there stands out, "Stars in the Heavens of Christ", dedicated to the saints of each day, and costing 12 years of preparation.  Possessing a unique charism for reaching the soul of the people, he exercised an enormous influence over Catholics in German-speaking countries.  With Saint Martin von Cochem, he is the most popular and influential writer in German Catholicism, valiant and untiring in the fight against the errors and attacks of heretics and Masons.  On various occasions, these enemies tried to remove him from his professorship. He was very detached and generous. With his earnings he supported especially charitable and apostolic works.  He died in the odour of sanctity, 16th October, 1083, at the age of 75 years.

            38.- Saint Joseph Moscardo Ituarte.

            He was born in Madrid in 1878, and was Colonel of the Military College at Toledo at the outset of the glorious National Movement against the communist barbarity which devastated Spain, committing the most horrible crimes against God, Holy Church, and Spanish faithful to God and Fatherland.  Up till the 22nd July, 1936, the forces loyal to Saint Francisco Franco, at heroic cost, dominated the Imperial City of Toledo.  Colonel Moscardo's men were few, while the communists, well armed and equipped, were of some thousands.  Saint Jose Moscardo decided to withdraw his forces to the ancient citadel of Alcazar, with the Infantry Academy of which he was Colonel.  Encircled, and with scant provision, he offered resistance for more than two months, enduring constant hardships, hunger and misery.  Saint Jose Moscardo was not only a soldier fervently in love with Spain, but as well father of a family, and together with a soul of firm valour, he carried a heart full of tenderness.  When he withdrew to Alcazar to offer resistance there to the communist army, he left his wife and two children in hiding in the city, in the home of friends.  The 23rd July, the city now being in the hands of the communists, these searched the house and found the mother with her two sons, taking prisoner the elder, Luis Moscardo Guzman.  The communists telephoned to the holy Colonel in order for him to speak with his son.  This conversation is recorded in the following canonisation (No. 39), that of Luis Moscardo.  However, the great hero of Alcazar, Saint Jose Moscardo Ituarte, preferred the sacrifice of his son to the surrender of the fortress.  Without doubt, the Lord and the Most Holy Virgin protected this self-sacrificing Saint in such a difficult trial.

            Meanwhile the communists had mined the fortress of Alcazar, so as to be capable of demolishing the whole edifice.  On the 18th September, the charge was detonated, and although nothing should have remained of the fortress, which should have been totally destroyed together with its inhabitants, nevertheless, Alcazar was not destroyed, nor were those within.  There were only 5 deaths.   The 27th September, 1936 the National troops under the command of General Varela approached Toledo.  On the 28th, the communists surrendered, and the Nationalists entered the city, and made official the relief of Alcazar.  The holy Colonel saluted General Varela with the phrase which has since become immortal:  "Nothing to report in Alcazar".  On 'the 29th, Saint Francisco Franco also arrived at Alcazar, and in a solemn ceremony personally presented to Saint Jose Moscardo the Laurel Cross of Saint Ferdinand, and also collectively, to all the defenders.  The Generalissimo, Saint Francisco Franco, spoke these words:  "Heroes of Alcazar,

your example will endure for generations, because with the force of your valour you have held high the glory of the Empire where you found your strength.  The Nation owes all of you eternal recognition.  History is too small for the grandeur of your deeds.  You have ennobled the race, lifted Spain on high, and given her imperishable glory.  I salute you and embrace you in her name, bring you gratitude and recognition for your heroism, and declare that for your meritorious sacrifices you are awarded the Laurel Cross, personally to Colonel Moscardo, collectively to all the defenders. Viva Espana!"  Saint Jose Moscardo received promotion.  During the war he was chief of the Army of Aragon, and in the offensive that put an end to the hostilities, he occupied the Province of Cuenca with its Capital.  In 1939, he was named Chief of the Military of the Head of State, and in 1941 Head of the Militia of the Spanish Traditional Falange and of the J.O.N.S.  In 1943 he was named Captain General of the Fourth Military Region, and in1948, Earl of Alcazar of Toledo, Grandee of Spain.  Besides being an heroic military genius Saint Jose Moscardo Ituarte was distinguished as a fervent Catholic, defender of the rights of God and the Church, of self-sacrificing spirit in the service of Catholic Spain.  His love of God and Country rose to the heights when he preferred the death of his own son to surrender to the enemy.  He died in holiness in Madrid in 1956. 

            39.-  Saint Luis Moscardo Guzman, martyr.

            The son of Saint Jose Moscardo Ituarte, he was 24 at the start of the National Movement and had a month earlier, after strong opposition, won a place at the School of Public Engineering.  Tall and strong, he was a fervent Catholic, of serious and pious character, a good son, and a model young man.  Saint Luis Moscardo was taken prisoner in a private house in Toledo, and conducted by communist patrol to the Command, where he was identified as the son of the Military Chief of the area, Saint Jose Moscardo, and it is this latter who has recorded the following text:

            "The 23rd July, 1936, in the evening, the telephone rang and I was asked to speak.  I took the telephone, and it was the head of the communist militia in Toledo, who said with a booming voice: 

            'You are the ones responsible for the crimes of all that is taking place in Toledo.  I give you ten minutes to surrender Alcazar, and if you refuse, I will shoot your son Luis, who is here beside me.'

            I replied:  'I don't believe you.'

            The Chief of Militia:  'So that you shall recognize the truth, he shall speak to you.'

            My son:  'Papa!'

            Myself:  'What is it, son?'

            My son: 'Nothing. They say if you do not surrender, they will shoot me.'

            Myself: 'Then commend your soul to God, and die like a patriot with the cry, Viva Christ the King! Viva Espana!'

            My son:  'A kiss, with strength, Papa.'

            Myself to the Chief of Militia: 'You can save your ten minutes and shoot my son, because Alcazar will never surrender!'"

            Saint Luis Moscardo Guzman was executed for God and Spain, 23rd August, 1936.

            40.- Saint Jose Polo Benito, martyr.

            He was Dean of the Cathedral of Toledo. Most faithful and devout son of the Virgin of the Sanctuary, he had founded an apostolic association: "The Slavery of the Virgin of the Sanctuary", of which he was president, each year organising solemn celebrations in honour of the Most Blessed Virgin.  On the 23rd July, 1936, the second day after the communists took over the City of Toledo, a considerable group of militia appeared at the home of the Dean under the command of a bricklayer upon whom the Saint had heaped favours. Saint Jose Polo was taken with his staff, neighbours and friends to the city prison. In this way the Saint was to celebrate the Novena of the Virgin of the Sanctuary in prison, the Feast falling on the 15th August. The 23rd August, Feast of the Octavo of his Patroness, they led the Saint, together with 70 other innocents among whom were the son of Saint Jose Moscardo, Saint Luis Moscardo and his younger brother, to execution. This younger son of the hero of Alcazar was returned to prison, and Saint Jose Polo was tied to the arm of the older brother, all being taken in a lorry through the streets of Toledo exposed to the jeers and blasphemies of the mob.  Meanwhile the martyrs recited the Holy Rosary.  The last to die was Saint Jose Polo. Shortly before death he cried out with a loud voice: "The blood of these martyrs fall on you and on your children and form a new Spain!  Viva Espana! Viva Christ the King!"

            41.- Saint Juan Mesonero Huerta, martyr.

            He was Parish Priest at Hornillo (Avila, Spain).  He had been ordained the 6th June, 1936, and came to the village on the 11th July of the same year.  A few days after the glorious National Movement began, he was taken by the communists to the village square, and in order to inflict greater infamy, with a young woman.  In the sight of the mob which had gathered for the spectacle, there began the martyrdom of this holy Priest, which went on for 6 hours. They made believe that it was a bullfight, and the bull was the Priest. They began by provoking him, waving handkerchiefs and rags before his eyes, so that he should run among them. They goaded him with pitchforks, daggers, and razors.  With horrific cruelty, they pierced his neck and body.  When he groaned and cried out with pain, they replied with jests and guffaws.  They told the martyr to blaspheme, and he could go free. But the Saint, imitating the Lord, responded with silent dignity. This served but to increase the cruelty of those wild beasts.  Bleeding all over, he heard the criminals say: "You who say there is a God, go and tell him to come and defend you".  The Saint replied: "If there were no God, you would not do what you now are doing".  The night advanced. Those fiends were tiring of their festivities.  They made the Saint ascend to the top of a rock and stand erect.  One of them fired a shot.  The martyr sprang and rolled below.  The marxist executioners and the whole crowd acclaimed the leap with applause and roars of laughter.  Saint John Mesonero looked up to Heaven saying, 'Lord, forgive them, they know not what they do'. But the Saint had not yet to die.  They put him on a little truck, and with the martyr writhing in pain, the criminals stepped on him, kicked him and pricked him. Coming to the boundary of the village of Arenas de San Pedro, they dug a grave, and dragging the martyr still writhing in pain, buried him alive.  Saint Juan Mesonero Huerta merited the glorious palm of martyrdom for God and for Spain, after having

been a priest for 3 months.

            42.-  Saint Mariano Guerras Salcedo, martyr.

            He was Parish Priest of Valdeverdeja, of the Diocese of Avila, at the start of the National Movement, of 61 years of age.  He lived with his sister.  He was arrested in the village and threatened with death, but miraculously escaped.  He left with his sister, and they took refuge in Valdelacasa (Caceres), until 24th August, 1936, when he was discovered by the communists, but for the second time he miraculously escaped. They questioned him:  "Who are you?"  The Saint replied: "I am the Parish Priest of Valdeverdeja."  They said:  "Nothing can be done with you," and let him go free.  But two days later, two soldiers appeared from his village, telling him he was to go there.  The holy martyr obeyed, and on the 28th, he was arrested by those same soldiers and taken to the village square.  They  formed a firing squad, and set him facing away.  But he turned and looked straight at them. "Turn around, we are going to shoot youl"   The holy martyr replied, "No, shoot at my face!  The brave die facing death."   He gave two vivas that resounded in the square:  "Viva Espana! Viva Christ the King!"  The communists fired, and missed. They fired 30 shots before one hit home.  His body was thrown into the river Tagus.

            43. Saint Liberio Gonzalez Nombela, martyr.

            He had served many years as Parish Priest in Torrijos (Toledo).  Shortly before the National Movement he was moved to Navalmorales of the same Province.  The saint took refuge in the home of his parents in his native village of Santa Ana de Pusa.  The communist committee of Torrijos required the presence of the Priest to obtain certain statements. He was taken to Torrijos in a lorry, in company with the Parish Priest of Santa Ana de Pusa, whom they murdered on the way.  After terrible suffering in the lorry, Saint Liberio Gonzalez arrived at Torrijos. He passed through the streets of the village surrounded by soldiers, himself dressed as one for greater indignity.  His former parishioners, as a pack of vicious dogs, insulted and blasphemed him along those streets of bitterness.  After a mock interrogation, he was condemned to die. He was led to a pine grove near the village, followed by the criminal mob, laughing and shouting at him.  A firing squad formed and took aim.  The holy martyr fixed his eyes on his executioners and said:  "God forgive you as I forgive you". Some shuddered, but others fired.  When the martyr fell, like beasts, the savagery broke loose.  As the Priest writhed in his last agony, the blood oozing around his body, more than 50 shots opened new streams of the martyr's blood.  This glorious martyrdom took place the 18th August 1936.

44.- Saint Angel Gutierrez Flores, martyr crusader.

He was Chaplain of the Galician Requete and accompanied them from Santiago of Compostala to Madrid.  They camped outside of Madrid, awaiting the moment to attack the Capital and conquer it for Spain and for Jesus Christ.  The 11th September, 1936, he wrote to a brother, "From here we can see with our binoculars the Cerro de los Angeles, and the monument with its, pedestal only, without the figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Let us see when He wishes us to make him reparation."   The Statue of the Sacred Heart had been vilely subjected to gunfire by the communists, and thrown down from its pedestal.  The Sacred Head remained a shapeless block after the innumerable shots of the sacrilegious communists.  In a hut, on the 14th September, the Saint recited Matins of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.  While praying he was killed by artillery fire from the marxist army.  In the place called Alto del Leon, near Madrid, he offered his life for God and Spain.

            45.-  Saint Jose Samso Elias, martyr.

He was archpriest of Santa Maria (Mataro, Barcelona).  Taken by the communists, he was imprisoned on the 30th July, 1936, where he remained for a month. On the 1st September, a squad of militia came to the prison demanding the Priest, and they took him away.  On leaving, they found a drunken and disheveled mob waiting at the gate.  Many were parishioners who knew the charity and self-sacrifice, the priestly virtues of the Saint.  But forgetting everything, they hurled insults and blasphemies at the good Priest.  "To the cemetery", shouted the militia.  They organized the march like a pilgrimage, with the good Priest at the head, followed by the militia, and finally the mob.  The path from Mataro to the cemetery was stony and narrow, and steep.  The communists made the martyr walk barefoot, and the blood of the holy Priest marked the way of that authentic ascent to Calvary.   At the cemetery they set him in place for execution.  The holy martyr, looking at the crowd, saw many familiar faces, in great part his parishioners.  With everything prepared, the martyr requested a few moments.  He said:  "You are about to kill me, but I am your Parish Priest, and have the right to preach to you.  So I will preach my last sermon".   And he continued a good while with his preaching, with the murderers listening in fear and astonishment.  When he had finished, he asked who they were who had to shoot him.  He turned to these and said:  "you are about to do something wicked.  Soon you will suffer remorse.  I wish to spare you, as far as I am able, the pain you will suffer.  You must not feel remorse in thinking that you have wounded me.  Although you commit a crime by killing me, you do me a great favour, because you help me to gain Heaven, before I ought to have done so.  This very day I shall be with God.  I promise you, that  when I come into His presence, my first prayer will be for you. And with these words he embraced them one by one.  Then he knelt and waited.  He was murdered that very day, 1st September, 1936.

46.- Saint Manuel Gonzalez-Serna y Rodriguez, martyr.

For 26 years Parish Priest and Archpriest of the village of Constantina (Seville), he had carried out gigantic apostolic and charitable works, and on account of this the great majority of the people loved and venerated him. The marxist leaders therefore made use of calumny in order to justify the arrest and execution of this holy martyr. When, on Sunday 19th July, 1936, a woman imploringly sought the Priest's assistance for her husband who was dying, in hospital, the streets of Constantina were seething with mobs of communists roaming in disorder.  The holy archpriest at once saw the danger of leaving the house, but what mattered was to fulfill the mission of priest. He accepted his duty, and started for the hospital. When the martyr appeared in the street wearing his soutane, the mob began to shout, 'The Priest! There's the Priest! At him! At him! Kill him!'  The woman who was accompanying him, by her tears and entreaties, gained them admission to the hospital. While he was assisting the dying man, the communists pounded on the door of the hospital, screaming for the Priest to come out.  This he did, after leaving behind the Sacred Vessel. Immediately the holy Priest became the plaything of the rabble. They tore to pieces his soutane, tied his hands behind him and led him to prison. In order to justify their criminal procedure, they invented the calumny that the Priest had a great quantity of arms and bombs in his church, to aid the victory of the fascist rising.  The Priest replied that in the Church there were no such arms, and that their conduct was an offence to God, who would punish them. The answer to these words of the Priest was a barbarous blow that left him half dead.  With savage fury, they clubbed him, struck his face, kicked him and screamed: "Talk will you? Take that for your talk! Now at least you won't deceive us any longer, nor anyone else with your sermons!" The infamous and sacrilegious marxists searched the Church, where they encountered neither arms nor bombs. They broke open doors and wardrobes, destroyed altars, crushed the Sacred Images, profaned the Tabernacle, scattering the Consecrated Species over the ground, and robbed the Sacred Vessels. After an interrogation, during which the Saint, imitating Jesus, maintained profound silence, he was put in a fetid latrine, where soldiers and lascivious women continually entered, who in his presence committed foul acts with insults and blows.  In this manner he was tortured all night long, not to speak of the nauseating stench of the place, and the heat which choked him.

Finally, on the 23rd July, the communists decided to settle the matter. They took the holy martyr from his prison, tied his hands with coarse fibre, and surrounded by a foul and furious mob, he was led to the village square. Placed in the centre, the rabble swarmed around him, many of them his parishioners. Screaming and howling, the mob shouted threats and insults. The saint suffered in silence an hour of this torment. Then they brought him to his Church, where seeing the ruins, he exclaimed: "I pardon, but God's justice will fall on you". Seeing the Sacred Hosts trampled on the ground, he broke into tears. An evil voice screamed: "Up the pulpit with him. There he must die, where he preached lies!"  They rushed to force him up the pulpit. The Priest shouted: "Viva Christ the King". A brutal push rolled him down the steps of the sanctuary towards the sacristy. The Saint rose and shouted: "Long live Christ!"  But he could say no more, because a bullet struck him in the mouth. The Saint died with his face towards Heaven. But that was not all. The marxist criminals searched the sacristy, where they had shut in a pious lady, the President of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.  They showed her the dead body of the martyr.   "Villains1!" she screamed. They dealt her a bullet in the leg, and dragged her over the corpse of the holy martyr. The soldiers riddled the bodies with bullets, and buried them in the cemetery.  The 15th September of the same year, the authorities ordered the exhumation of the two martyrs.  The body of the Priest, Saint Manuel Gonzalez, appeared incorrupt.  On his breast, mysteriously, was attached the Crucifix the Saint had always carried.  At its removal the sign of the cross remained engraved in his flesh.

Martyred Religious Adorers

The Reverend Mothers:

47.- Saint Manuela Arriola of the Sacred Heart.

            48.- Saint Casta of Jesus (In the world Teresa Vives y Misse)

            49.- Saint Rosaura of Mary (In the world Rosa Lopez Brochier)

            50.- Saint Maria of the Presentation Garcia Ferreiro.

            51.- Saint Luisa of the Eucharist Perez Adria.

            52.- Saint Maria Dolores of Jesius Crucified Monzon y Rosales.

            53.- Saint Maria of the Most Holy Trinity Hernandez Santorcuato.

The Lay-sisters:

54.- Saint Blasa of Mary of the Cross (In the world, Francisca Labeaga Garcia).

55.- Saint Borja of Jesus (In the world Maria Zenona Aranzabal).

56.- Saint Maxima of Saint Joseph, Emilia Echevarria Fernandez.

57.- Saint Maria Prima de Jesus Ipina Malzarraga.

58.- Saint Sulpicia of the Good Shepherd, Dionisia Rodriguez Auto.

59.- Saint Sinforosa of the Holy Family, Diaz y Fernandez.

60.- Saint Josefa of Jesus, Boix Riera.

61.- Saint Belarmina of Jesus, Perez y Martinez.

62.- Saint Lucila Maria of Jesus, Gonzalez y Garcia.

63.- Saint Purification of Mary, Martinez Vera.

The Daughters of the house (these are old students of the Institute, who for their merits, are permitted to remain in the House in the manner of tertiaries):

64.- Saint Cecilia del Campo.

65.- Saint Ruperta Vazquez.

66.- Saint Felipa Gutierrez.

67.- Saint Angeles Tuni.

68.- Saint Herlinda Gonzalez.

69.- Saint Magdalena Perez.

These 23 religious of the Institute of Adorers of Princes Street, No. 5, of Madrid, were brutally martyred on the 10th November, 1936, by the communist barbarians at the wall of the cemetery of Madrid East,- a group of aged and infirm ladies, hardly one without disabilities. The Superior General of the Institute had confided to the Mother Secretary, Saint Manuela Arriola of the Sacred Heart, the care of these disabled religious, who were not able to lodge in private houses for reasons of precarious health or want of family. Saint Manuela gathered them from the Convent, and they established themselves in a rented house at No. 15 Costanilla de los Angeles, Madrid, thus to lesson the risk of communist slaughter. The religious obtained the Blessed Sacrament to be reserved there, behind a marble slab resting against the chimney of the fireplace, where it was perfectly concealed. Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist continued without interruption day and night. They lived in complete obscurity to avoid causing suspicion.  Three of the youngest religious were charged with providing the very scanty meals of the community. In spite of living in concealment, the group prepared fervently for martyrdom. The 8th November, 1936, the communist soldiers, who had discovered the hidden convent, carefully kept guard to ensure that no one entered or left the house. On the 9th, the soldiers came trooping in with the accusation that one of them had killed a communist soldier who, they said, had been found dead in that street.  This was the pretext for arresting them, and conducting them to the commissariat of Calle Fomento.  The Sister, Saint Lucila Maria of Jesus, was brought in a chair, as she was not able to move through infirmity.  They were all murdered on the morning of the 10th November, 1936, receiving the glorious palm of martyrdom for God and Spain.

Besides these 23 religious adorers of the Institute at Madrid, the following adorers, religious also, of the Convent of Guadalajara, were martyred on 31st August, 1936:

70.- Saint Felisa Maria of Saint Julian, Gonzalez Gomez.

71.- Saint Petronilla Hornedo Huidobrdo of the Sacred Heart.

As indicated, they came from the Institute at Guadalajara.  They were arrested on reaching Madrid and taken to a police station. They were let go, and when they set foot on the street, they were riddled with bullets.

Also martyred, although the date is not known, were the following religious adorers from other communities:

72.- Saint Maria Rosario (In the world, Carmen Marcos Alcocer).

73.- Saint Maria del Pilar Grisa Garmendi.

Salesian Nuns of the Convent of the Visitation, Madrid; martyrs:

74.- Saint Gabriela de Hinojosa (in the world: Amparo).

75.- Saint Teresa Maria Cavestany (Laura).

76.- Saint Josefa Maria Barrera (Carmen).

77.- Saint Maria Ines Zudaire (Ines).

78.- Saint Maria Cecilia Cendaya (Felicitas).

79.- Saint Maria Engracia Lecuona (Josefa Joaquinta)

80.- Saint Maria Angela Olaizola (Martina).

These 7 Salesian religious belonged to the Claustral Convent of the Visitation at No. 20 Santa Engracia, Madrid. All of the members were released from enclosure, and the superior acquired a house at No.7, Manuel Longoria, and there the 7 members were lodged. When the Superior withdrew with the remainder of the community, she instructed the 7 to stay together as far as possible, following the norms of the Community.  Although surrounded by danger, and frequently experiencing anxiety, during the first 3 months of the war these religious enjoyed a certain tranquility in the house.  They were denounced by a woman servant of a nearby house, relative of a well-known communist criminal, and several times the communist soldiers searched their house.  They were convinced that one day, sooner or later, the hour of martyrdom would strike.  The janitor offered to take them, one by one, to various consulates, but they did not wish to be separated, preferring to meet martyrdom together. The 18th November, a communist patrol surprised them at the house and took them under arrest, placing them in a lorry.   The lorry stopped at an open area near the end of Lopez de Hoyos Street. The religious were ordered to leave, and as they stepped to the ground one by one, they were shot. Only one of them, a young nun, Saint Maria Cecilia Cendaya, on a sudden impulse, was able to flee without, for the moment, being martyred. Nevertheless she revealed to those who gave her refuge that she would not conceal her identity as a nun, even if it meant martyrdom, On the 22nd November, 1936, Feast of Saint Cecilia, Martyr, she was martyred at the wall of the cemetery of Vallecas, four days after her six companions.

Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Religious, martyrs.

81.-  Saint Dolores Barroso.

82.-  Saint Adoration Cortes.

83.-  Saint Maria Severina Diaz-Pardo.

84.-  Saint Estefania Saldana.

85.-  Saint Assumption Mayoral.

These religious took refuge in a boarding house at No. 15, Arenal, Madrid, since one of them was sister, and another a cousin of the proprietress. There they passed unnoticed, doing domestic chores, with a certain appearance of normality. Nevertheless, they were always prepared, feeling in their hearts that at any moment the hour of sacrifice might be at hand.  Unexpectedly, that hour arrived, 12th August, 1936. A communist patrol searched the house, and they were disposed to take them into custody.  When the relatives resisted, as likewise several professional police assisting in the search, the victims were not then arrested. But 4 hours later, at midnight, the same criminals returned, without the professionals, and awaking the house, they took the 5 religious away in two cars that were waiting at the door, explaining that they were to make a declaration at the police station. But it was not so. They brought them to Puerta de Hierro, outside Madrid, where an armed platoon was waiting, and there they shot them to death. Of the 5 martyred religious, 4 were from Colegio de Leganes, and the fifth, Saint Assumption Mayoral, belonged to the House for the Blind of Pacifico Street, Madrid.

Also martyred were the following three religious, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul from Albacete:

86.- Saint Dolores Caro.

87.- Saint Andrea Calle.

88.- Saint Conception Perez.

These three martyrs were from the House of Mercy at Albacete, where Saint Dolores Caro was Superior. Seeing the dangers in their city, they decided, once outside their convent, to change to ordinary civil dress, and go to Madrid, where they hoped to find things easier. They took the train, arriving at Atocha in Madrid, where the communists searched their luggage, and found rosaries, crucifixes, and books of devotion. They were then taken to the nearest communist committee. They were set free, knowing that the favour was naught, as the communist crowds in the street would watch their every move. Although there were twelve religious who had come from Albacete, only the three mentioned were martyred.  Four lodged with their families, and eight hid in the basement of a house. Since it was dangerous for many to be together, they considered separations.  Saint Conception Perez thought of going to live with friends of her father, and took with her the other two martyrs. They asked directions to find the house. A group of youngsters suspected they were nuns and followed them, shouting, to their destination, where they were not admitted. They were arrested, and after insults and jeers, were martyred, 2nd September, 1936.

Also martyred in Madrid were the following two Nuns, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul:

89.- Saint Lorenza Palacios.

90.- Saint Josefa Girones.

These religious, both serving God and the poor, belonged, the former to the National Institute for the rehabilitation of invalids, and the latter to the Hospital of Saint Carlos in Madrid. Both were in a boarding house with other religious. They were denounced and taken by the communists, 17th November, 1936. Although these religious had officially taken the post of nurses in the Red Cross, it was treated as nonsense, and on the 23rd November, 1936, they were executed in an open plot in Las Vistillas.

Carmelite Sisters of Charity, Religious, martyrs.

91.-   Saint Niceta Plaja de San Prudencio.

92.-   Saint Paula Isla Alonso de Santa Anastasia.

93.-   Saint Antonia Gcsens de Ibarra de San Timoteo

94.-   Saint Daria Campillo Paniagua de Santa Sofia.

95.-   Saint Maria Consuelo Cunado Gonzalez del Santisimo Sacramento.

96.-   Saint Conception Odriozola y Zaballa de San Ignacio.

97.-   Saint Erundina Colino Vega de Nuestra Senora del Carmen.

98.-   Saint Feliciana de Uribe y Orbe de Nuestra Senora del Carmen.

99.-   Saint Clara Ezcurra Urrutia de Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza.

100.- Saint Conception Rodriguez Fernandez de Santa Magdalena.

101.- Saint Justa Maiza y Goicoechea de la Immaculada.

102.- Saint Candida Gonzalez de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles.

            These 12 Carmelite Sisters of Charity attended the House of Mercy in Valencia, where there was a community of 37 religious, a home for the aged, children and invalid youths, with different wings for men and women. This Institute of Carmelite Sisters of Charity had offered self-sacrificing work for 58 years, and for this reason were much loved by those in their care, and greatly esteemed by the directors of the Provincial Administration. In February 1936, the administration fell into the hands of the communists, and on the 12th May, they issued an order to evict the religious and replace them with a staff of lay women.  The Nuns had to endure terrible insults and abuse on the part of the older children, and even the old people in the House of Mercy rebelled:  this was the work of villainous fomenters of hatred and calumny against the sisters.  On the 22nd July, the last Mass was celebrated, the chaplains were expelled, and the sisters began to leave. By the 27th, the house was completely cleared of religious, who had left amidst insults and vexations of every kind.  The 12 martyrs were lodged in a house, No. 3, Cambios, the remaining members of the community being with their families. They were to suffer want and anxiety, the lack of water, light and furniture. They had to sleep on the floor, and without the most fundamental necessities. On the 17th November, a communist patrol came to the house, meaning to put an end to the matter. They were taken to a committee and interrogated. On the 19th, they were taken from this criminal committee to a prison for women. Early on the 27th November, 1936, at about 5 a.m., they were summoned one by one, and put in a lorry waiting at the prison gate. The lorry was driven to Picardo de Paterna where they were shot. Sensing her proximate martyrdom, one of them had said a few days earlier:  "I wish to be on my knees with my hands clasped, looking up to Heaven, saying the words of the protomartyr Saint Stephen, 'Forgive them this sin; they know not what they do."

            Also martyred were 9 sisters, likewise of the Carmelites of Charity, from the Asylum School for girls in the town of Cullera (Valencia), where they were engaged in education. They used the following pretext for arresting these holy martyrs:  in the shop windows of two shops they placed dirty dishes and clean dishes, with a notice stating that the girls in the house used the dirty dishes, and the nuns the clean ones. Secondly, that the Carmelites had stolen and hidden a treasure that belonged to the house. As the treasure was non-existent, it could not be found, and the hostility of the people increased from day to day. On the 15th August, 1936, the communist authorities ordered the detention of the 9 religious:

            103.-  Saint Elvira Torrentalle Paraire de la Natividad de Nuestra  Senora.

            104.-  Saint Rosa Pedret Rull de Nuestra Senora del Buen Consejo.

            105.-  Saint Maria Calaf Miracle de Nuestra Senora de la Providencia.

            106.-  Saint Desamparados Giner Sixta del Santisimo Sacramento.

            107.-  Saint Francisca de Amezua Ibaibarriga de Santa Teresa.

            108.-  Saint Teresa Chambo y Pales de la Divina Pastora.

            109.-  Saint Agueda Hernandez Amoros de Nuestra Senora de las Virtudes.

            110.-  Saint Dolores Vidal Cervera de San Francisco Javier.

            111.-  Saint Maria Nieves Crespo Lopez de la Santisimo Trinidad.

            Those 9 religious were confined in the ward of a local hospital, and kept there 4 days. In order to avoid difficulties with neighbours,- inasmuch as the only ground for the execution was a calumny- on the previous night the communists ordered a curfew at 10 p.m. At midnight the communist soldiers appeared and summoned the nine victims. They showed pity, however, for an aged nun of 73 years, but they were told:  "No, I will go with our mother, even to die".  All were put on a lorry and informed that they were on the way to the Civil Authorities of Valencia. The Mother Superior, Saint Elvira Torrentalle, made the sign of the Cross and said with serenity:  "Sisters, they are taking us to Saler", which was the place of execution.  There, the Mother Superior requested and obtained the favour that she be killed last. She could thus cheer her daughters during their martyrdom. The religious joined their Mother, she intoning the Eucharistic Hymn, and all joined the singing.  She saw her 8 daughters die with the integrity of Christian virgins, and finally she joined them. This glorious martyrdom took place on the 19th August, 1936.

Religious Sisters of Christian Doctrine, martyrs.

            112.- Saint Angeles Lloret.

            113.- Saint Monserat Llimons.

            114.- Saint Isabel Ferret.

            115.- Saint Sufragia Orts.

            116.- Saint Teresa Reig Roig.

            117.-  Saint Assumption Mangoche.

            118.-  Saint Ignacia del Santisimo Sacramento.

            119.-  Saint Conception Martinez.

            120.-  Saint Maria Dolores Suris.

            121.-  Saint Corazon de Jesus Gomez.

            122.-  Saint Maria del Rosario Calpe.

            123.-  Saint Maria Gracia San Antonio.

            124.-  Saint Maria Socorro Jimenez.

            At the start of the National Movements these religious were lodged on the ground floor of No. 9, Maestro Chapi Street, Valencia, where they had been safe until the time of their arrest, although the circumstances remain obscure. The martyrdom of these religious took place on the 20th November, 1936, by the marxist mob in El Picadero de Paterna. One of the victims was 92, two were 84, another, 76, and the majority over 70. Since the Institute was not widely spread, the loss of 13 nuns was a considerable blow, especially since among the martyrs were the Superior General, the Vicar General, and their advisors. However the blood of these martyrs was the seed of numerous vocations.

Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul, martyred in the Province of Valencia, Religious.

            125.-  Saint Josefa Labora.

            126.-  Saint Carmen Rodriguez de Cea.

            127.-  Saint Estefania Irizarri.

            128.-  Saint Maria del Pilar Nalda.

            129.-  Saint Isidora Izquierdo.

            130.-  Saint Dolores Broseta.

            These five religious, and one former pupil, conducted a college in Betera.  Saint Josefa Laborra enjoyed great prestige and popularity in the city, since she had ruled the college for some 40 years. The young Saint Dolores Broseta was a former pupil who followed her teachers to die with them and for them. The 21st July, 1936, a group of boys, who hated the sisters, began fighting with another group who were defending them.  Those latter lost the skirmish, and the sisters had to take refuge in the home of a former pupil.  On the 23rd July, the communist committee obliged them to move to Valencia, and there they lodged in the boarding house at No. 7, Engael.  The former pupil, Saint Dolores Broseta undertook to provide for the needs of the community, making a daily journey to and from Betera. This she did until surprised by the former communist mayor of Betera.  They were denounced, and on the 9th September they were imprisoned in the seminary.  On the 8th December, 1936, they were murdered.

            Also martyred were three other Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, who served in the School of Eugenio, Valencia.  Their martyrdom took place in the orange grove between Lloza and Almenara. They were executed, and the gravediggers later discovered their severed heads.  Their names:

            131.- Saint Rosario Ciercoles.

            132.- Saint Maria Luisa Bermudez.

            133.- Saint Micaela Hernan.

Enclosed Capuchin Nuns of the Convent of Agullent (Valencia), martyrs:

            134.- Saint Maria Jesus Masia Ferragut.

            135.- Saint Maria Veronica Masia Ferragut.

            136.- Saint Maria Felicidad Masia Ferragut.

            These three religious sisters were also sisters by blood. At the start of the National Movement they moved to their family home in the village of Algemesi (Valencia). At home their life faithfully mirrored that of the monatery, in the order of prayer and domestic work. The 20th October, 1936, a communist committee empowered a military patrol to seize and imprison them in the monastery 'Fons Salutis' of Algemesi.  There they remained until the 25th October, Feast of Christ the King, when the soldiers, after a rowdy supper, and sated with food and drink, put the religious on a lorry.  Shortly before coming to Alcira, at a place called "Cruz Cubierta", they were executed.

Sisters Escolapias, martyrs.

            137.- Saint Maria Luisa Giron.

            138.- Saint Clemencia Riba.

            139.- Saint Presentation Gallen.

            140.- Saint Carmen Gomez.

            141.- Saint Maria Baldellou.

            These 5 nuns belonged to the convent at Valencia where, with three others, they were preparing to leave in order to join their families.  The 8th August, at 5 a.m., a squad of communist murderers appeared and demanded that the occupants present themselves to the civil authorities. Seeing that there were eight, they were surprised, as there were only 5 places in the motor vehicle. They ordered 5 to come, and the others to wait.  Four stepped forward, and one of the 5, Saint Presentation, hesitated. However the 5 martyrs were driven towards Saler, which the marxists had chosen to be the scene of their crime, and they were murdered. Shortly after, the other three were taken to the same place.  After many incidents, in which the hand of God was discernible, they were set free by a committee near the cemetery, thanks to a man called Amador Sahuquillo.

Franciscan Sisters of Mercy, martyrs.

            142.- Saint Micaela Sacramento Rullan Ribot.

            143.- Saint Catalina del Carmen Caldes Socias.

            These two religious were executed on the night of 23-24th July 1936, in San Gines dels Agudells. They belonged to a convent in Mallorca, but were martyred in Barcelona.

Sisters of the Society of Saint Teresa (Barcelona).

            144.- Saint Maria de la Merced Prat y Prat, martyr.

            This religious was also executed on the 24th July 1936, at San Gines dels Agudells.  The circumstances of her martyrdom are known through another religious of the same Institute, Sister Joaquina Miguel. The two nuns were detained by some communists. The holy martyr admitted that they were teaching sisters. They were taken to a committee where they were treated to a mock execution, threats, and insults. At 9 p.m. they were put onto a lorry with other victims, of whom more will be said later, and they were brought to the place mentioned above.  Many shots were fired at the victims.  Sister Joaquina Miguel was not wounded, but Saint Maria de la Merced received wounds that pierced her lungs.  She cried aloud, reciting the Our Father, and the invocation 'Jesus, Mary, Joseph'.  A motor car was passing, and a man, hearing the cries, alighted and, drawing a pistol, again shot the holy martyr.  Saint Joaquina had simulated death at the approach of the car. She did not leave the martyr until she had died in great peace. She draped the body decorously and then left.  Saint Maria de la Merced appeared an angel of sorrow.

Franciscan Sisters, Minims, martyrs.

            145.- Saint Margarita of the Sacred Heart (in the world, Raimunda Horts Torrents).

            146.- Saint Maria de Montserrat (Josefa Garcia Solanes)

            147.- Saint Maria de la Asuncion (Dolores Vilaseca Gallego)

            148.- Saint Mercedes Mestre Trinche.

            149.- Saint Maria de Jesus (Vicenta Jorda Marti)

            150.- Saint Josefa of the Heart of Mary (Panella Domenech)

            151.- Saint Trinidad Rius Casa (Teresa)

            152.- Saint Maria Enriqueta (Montserrat Horts Torrents)

            153.- Saint Filomena Ballesta Selva (Ana)

            These 9 religious were shot on the road to San Gines dels Agudells in the early morning of the 24th July, 1936, by the communist mob. The whole community of the sister minims of the convent of Barcelona had to leave on the 19th July, which, two days later, was brutally attacked and burned. In order to distract themselves, the communists took bodies from the convent cemetery and placed some on either side of the door. A large part of this community was hidden for three days in a cave nearby, in continual anguish because of the incendiary squads, who were searching without interruption. The rest of the community found refuge in two towers nearby.  In one of these were hidden the nine martyrs, who were found on the 23rd July, and with brutality placed in a lorry. The execution of these martyrs was preceded by a slow and tortuous way of the cross. They were finally murdered on the 24th July, 1936.

Daughters of Mary Reparatrix, Religious, martyrs.

            154.- Saint Maria de San Felipe Neri.

            155.- Saint Maria de Virgo Fidelis.

            156.- Saint Maria de San Daniel.

            157.- Saint Maria de Santa Amelia.

            158.- Saint Maria de San Cristobal.

            These 5 religious belonged to two communities of Barcelona, one at Caspe-Gerona, the other at Ganduxer. Both Communities had to abandon their houses in order to flee the marxist barbarity, and take refuge in small groups wherever possible. The 5 martyrs were found hiding in a place that was not very secure, and were vilely murdered, 26th July, 1936.

Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation, martyrs.

            159.- Saint Ramona Fossas de Santo Domingo.

            160.- Saint Otilia Alonso de Santa Rosa.

            161.- Saint Maria Perramon.

            162.- Saint Adolfa Soro del Rosario.

            163.- Saint Teresa Prats de San Vicente.

            These 5 religious belonged to the college at Trafalgar, Barcelona. The execution took place near the church of Valvidriera, after imprisonment within the college. Saint Otilia Alonso and Saint Maria Perramon did not die at once.  A rescue squad of the Red Cross brought them to the hospital.  Saint Otilia, 19 years old, had been solicited by one of the soldiers on the lorry, but rather than save her life in such wise, she drew near the Mother Superior, Saint Ramona Fossas, and prying with her Mother in dolorous embrace, they resisted the tempter victoriously.  Saint Maria Perramon suffered an agony of 24 hours.  The date of martyrdom of these Saints was 27th July, 1936; of Saint Maria Perranon, the 28th.

Religious of the Sacred Hearts of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Coll (Barcelona), martyrs.

            164.- Saint Francisco Reynes Solinellas.

            165.- Saint Simon Reynes Solinellas.

            166.- Saint Miguel Pons Remis.

            167.- Saint Francisco Mayol Oliver.

            168.- Saint Pablo Noguera Trias.

            The first three were priests; the other two, brothers. They had taken refuge at the home of Dona Prudencia Canellas, along with other religious mentioned above. The first 4 were executed on the 23rd July, 1936, in the garden of the house. The 5th was murdered the 24th, on the road to San Gines dels Agudells, along with religious previously mentioned, as well as the proprietress of the house.

            169.- Saint Prudencia Canellas, martyr.

            She was murdered for harbouring the religious priests, brothers and sisters mentioned above, on the 24th July, 1936.

            170.- Saint Nemesio Garcia Arevalo Hinojosa, martyr.

            Parishioner of Dos Torres (Cordoba). The diocesan records affirm that "He merits the title of martyr, given the character of his life as well as his death".  The communists tried to snatch from him the crucifix that hung from his neck.  The saint resisted with all his strength, receiving a blow from a rifle that broke his jaw.  He repeatedly kissed the crucifix, shouting Vivas to Christ

the King.  He was riddled with bullets, 27th August, 1936, in Pozoblanco (Cordoba).

Sisters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, martyrs.

            171.- Saint Dolores Pujalte Sanchez .

            172.- Saint Francisca Aldea Araujo.

            These two martyrs of the boarding school of Saint Susanna, in the district of Las Ventas (Madrid), together with 18 other religious, taught and cared for 1,000 children of the area. After an attack on the property by a marxist rabble, the two religious fled on the morning of the 13th July.  Some soldiers followed them until they entered the house of a certain lady, where they thought they should be safe. Mother Dolores was 83, the other 54, and they had with them 3 unprotected children from the home.  Arrived at this house, the elderly sister retired. An hour later 5 men and two women appeared to arrest the religious. Saint Dolores Pujalto was forced to dress, and was dragged the 120 stairs down to the ground. They were put into a car, which took the road to Aragon. Leaving behind the village of Caninejas, the soldiers set the two nuns outside, and at a few paces fired nine shots at each, causing instantaneous death.  Several women from the village were pleased to dishonour the bodies, which remained unburied for 48 hours.  In high exultation the women, seconded by the soldiers with gun in hand, forced the doctors Ulla and Paredes to perform a macabre autopsy as a prelude to burial. The doctors, the assistant, and even the rabble, perceived an odour as of exquisite perfume such as they had never before experienced, which exhaled from the bodies of the holy martyrs. The date of martyrdom was the 20th July, 1936.

Carmelite Discalced Nuns, martyrs.

            173.- Saint Maria del Pilar de San Francisco Borja.

            174.- Saint Teresa del Nino Jesus.

            175.- Saint Maria de los Angeles de San Jose.

            These three holy martyrs of the Carmelite Community at Guadalajara, were shot to death on the street, with the participation and at the pleasure of the soldiers and the vicious women, and with the silent complicity of the neighbourhood. It was the 24th July, 1936, two days after leaving their community to avoid the murder of all. The three martyrs were being sent by their superiors to a house on Francisco Cuesta Street. All took place along the way. In civil dress, they walked hesitantly, fearing surprise, and trying to dissimulate. A group of military men and women were diverting themselves noisily in the street. One of them took note and shouted: "They're nuns! Shoot them!" and the communists without pity pursued the three poor nuns, who fled in fright towards Francisco Cuesta Street. They were able to enter No.5, and although they called anxiously, they could not obtain those whom they sought. They appeared again in the street, and that vicious group of communists opened fire. Saint Maria de los Angeles de San Jose fell bleeding over the edge of the pavement, close to death. Near her was Saint Maria del Pilar, in a pool of blood, crying out in agony: "My God, My God!" Far from awakening any pity, her moans attracted a group of devils in human flesh, some of whom shot her again, one of them giving himself the ghastly satisfaction of stabbing her till he left her kidney exposed. The clamour attracted an armed patrol, who confronted the murderers and had the martyr taken to hospital. Those who carried the stretcher were themselves almost lynched by another mob of murderers waiting at the hospital gate, who wished to complete the work of the others before the nuns could enter. Saint Maria del Pilar de San Francisco Borja died soon after, attended by a Sister of Charity. Her last words were: "My God, my God, forgive them, they know not what they do!"  She was 59.  The third martyr, Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, had escaped the gunfire which struck down her companions. She walked bewildered through the streets, until she met a person who pretended to befriend her, inviting her to follow so as to escape her pursuers. Near the cemetery he made indecent proposals, which the Saint energetically rejected.  Then she was surrounded by others, who had discovered her escape. The soldiers behaved brutally, using foul language, trying to force her to shout 'vivas' for communism. At this the Saint shouted: "Viva Christ the King". A shot was heard, and the holy martyr collapsed, bleeding from the mouth over the stones. She died after a few moments.

            176.- Saint Maria del Sagrario de San Luis Gonzaga, martyr.

            She was prioress of the Convent of Saint Anne, of the Disca1ced Carmelites in Madrid. She was confined at the police station at Marques de Riscal in Madrid where, together with 4 Carmelite daughters, she endured great sufferings.  On the 18th August, 1936, the holy martyr was taken from that place of torture and brought by soldiers to the field of San Isidro, outside of Madrid, where she was murdered.

            177.- Saint Candida Lopez Romero Guzman del Pulgar, martyr.

            She belonged to the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus and, at the start of the war, was at the House in Valencia. After innumerable trials she came to her native town of Mora de Toledo, where her family was living. On several occasions she was imprisoned by the communists there. At times they would beat her with sticks, and through this torment she bled from the mouth. She was denied a mattress, or even a chair to rest on. On the 20th May, 1937, she was again imprisoned with others, and together they were murdered near the town mill and buried in an open trench in a field nearby. The bodies, later exhumed, revealed horrible mutilations, suffered probably before death. The holy martyr's skull was opened as by the blow of an axe, the right hand was cut off, as was a foot.

            178.- Saint Gertrude Llamazares Fernandez, martyr.

            She belonged to the Mother House of the Franciscan Tertiaries of the Divine Shepherdess in Madrid. She was imprisoned, as also was a Priest and a lady, then taken to a pine grove on the road to Hortaleza. The three, after barbaric treatment, were tied to the car, which then drove rapidly to Hortaleza, where they were dead on arrival, their bodies utterly shattered. The communists of the place profaned the remains.  The date of martyrdom,- 14th August, 1936.

            179.- Saint Julian Gonzalez Trujillano, martyr.

            Franciscan Tertiary nun of the Divine Shepherdess, she was murdered in Madrid by the communist mob, 28th August, 1936.

            180.- Saint Isabel Raminan Carracedo, martyr.

            Franciscan Tertiary nun of the Divine Shepherdess, also murdered by communist barbarians, August 1936.

            181.- Saint Dolores Cano Sobrerroca, martyr.

            182.- Saint Maria del Carmen Cano Sobrerroca, martyr.

            These two sisters, young members of Catholic Action, examples of apostolic spirit worthy of record were martyred on the 20th May, 1937, in Mora de Toledo, near the flour mill. Their exhumed bodies showed signs of mutilation and of having been stabbed to death.

Poor Clares, martyrs:

            183.- Saint Ines Garayoa Garayoa.

            184.- Saint Antonia Pascau Castano.

            185.- Saint Josefa Belarra Otamendi.

            These three religious belonged to the convent of Santa Clara in Monzon. The first came from Lerga (Navarra), and the other two from Berindano (Navarra).  They had taken refuge in the village of Calasanz, at the home of a religious.  The 2nd October, 1936, a group of inhuman communists from the committee of Peralta de la Sal, appeared at the house and violently apprehended them.  They brought them to the boundary of Peralta, stripped them, and committed most shameful and cruel deeds, finally hurling them over a precipice, where later their shattered bodies were discovered. They suffered martyrdom on 2nd October, 1936.  Before dying they had pardoned their executioners.

            186.- Saint Carmen Valera Halcon, martyr.

            A nun of the Convent of Nuestra Senora del Amparo (Madrid), she was murdered for not agreeing to the sacrilegious proposals of marriage made by some of the soldiers who attacked the convent.

            187.- Saint Lourdes Bosch Masse, martyr.

            188.- Saint Rosa Bosch Masse, martyr.

            189.- Saint Carlos Bosch Masse, martyr.

            These three, two sisters and a brother by blood, were lodged in El Moli de la Ropit, of the town of Riudarenas.  Saint Lourdes was a cloistered Dominican nun of the Convent at Gerona, and the other two lived in their father's home in the nearby town. The three were seized at their home on the night of 22-23rd September, 1936, by a military patrol. They were sacrificed in the early morning of the 23rd at the place called 'Quatre Camins', at the boundary of San Miguel de Cladells.  The martyrdom was horrific.  Saint Carlos Bosch begged the murderers to kill him first, so as not to see the bestiality inflicted on his sisters. In order that he might not see those things, one of the murderers dug out his eyes with a dagger, adding as a pleasantry, 'Now you may look, but you won't see.'

            190.- Saint Carmen Fradera Ferragut-Casas, martyr.

            191.- Saint Rosa Fradera Ferragut-Casas, martyr.

            192.- Saint Magdalena Fradera Ferragut-Casas, martyr.

            These three sibters were also Sisters of a Convent at Gerona, 'Daughters of the Most Holy Heart of Mary'. The night of the 25th September, 1936, a group of marxists under the command of a certain Pellicer violated the paternal home and obliged the three martyrs to board the vehicles waiting at the gate. The family treasured with deepest feeling the farewell of the three Sisters consecrated to God:  "We gladly go to our martyrdom, because We know we are going to the joy of God.  We will pray to Him for you".  The scoundrels brutally placed them in the cars, insulting and beating them, furious at their power of resistance and peace of mind.  They arrived shortly at Manso Cabanyes, at the boundary of Lloret de Mar. The murderers first tried to violate them, without however succeeding.  They were slowly riddled with bullets and burned with petrol. The date was 27th September, 1936.

            193.-  Saint Maria del Patrocinio de San Jose Badia Flaquer, martyr.

            She was an enclosed Carmelite nun of the Convent of the Presentation of Mary, at Vich. The 13th August, 1936, the holy Martyr was sent by the mother superior to a house whose owners had harboured several priests and religious. She arrived at the very moment when some communist soldiers were conducting a search and noting the identity of all present. The martyr was conspicuous for the beauty of her person, which attracted the gaze of the soldiers. "Are you a nun?" they asked. "Yes," came the reply. "Why did you enter?" - "To follow my vocation". There followed other questions, accompanied by disgraceful gestures, and four soldiers made her accompany them in a car. Near San Martin de Riudeperas, they led her from the motorcar. She was heard to say with emphasis: "That! Never! I prefer to die ten times over!"  She took to flight to free herself from the vile intentions of her murderers. These fired a hail of bullets at the poor nun, who fell onto a patch of reeds, crying out: "Lord, grant me pardon, I am murdered". The next morning, her body was found, head down, the left arm extended behind, the right hand clasping the crucifix that she had worn concealed at her heart.

            194.- Saint Francisco Casanova, martyr.

            195.- Saint Isabel Jover, martyr.

            The former was a worthy physician who lived with his wife and daughter at No.247, Aragon, Barcelona; and with the family lived an aunt of the doctor, Saint Isabel Jover. There was also a nun, Mother Maria del Milagro, who acted as governess of the daughter of the family. The morning of the 8th August, 1936, the house was suddenly entered by a gang of soldiers who ransacked the whole place, taking with them the holy doctor, whom shortly afterwards they murdered. Saint Isabel Jover was arrested in the evening of the 8th August, together with Mother Natividad Comerma, who had just arrived and was asking for the doctor. She was murdered with the other nun shortly afterwards.

Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, martyrs.

            196.- Saint Natividad Comerma Barrera.

            197.- Saint Maria Milagro Roca Viladrell.

            The former came on the 8th August, 1936, to the home of the Saint and doctor, Francisco Casanova, from whom she wished a medical certificate for another religious, but the holy martyr had already been arrested. As the house had been under observation, the communists quickly surmised that she was a nun, and she did little to conceal the fact. She was arrested, and shortly afterwards, was murdered with Saint Isabel Jover. The latter, Saint Maria Milagro, was arrested on the 9th August, 1936, at the home of the doctor, Saint Francisco Casanova, where she had taken refuge. For several hours she was harassed by the soldiers to yield to their vile pleasure, in order then to go free. The wife of the doctor was present, and has preserved the precious memory of the saint's reply. "My parents are Christian, Catholic, faithful to the Law of God. They hear Mass, receive Holy Communion, and recite the Rosary every day. Of 11 children, 5 of us are consecrated to God. In the faith we received from our mother and father, I wish to live and die." Before taking her in arrest, the soldiers gave her a few moments to choose either to be violated or murdered. Taking farewell of the widow of the martyr, she kissed her and said:  "Do not grieve for me. God will not forsake me. Live dishonoured? Never! Rather martyrdom!"  A few hours later she was murdered.

            198.-            Saint Josefina Sauleda y Paulis, martyr.

            She was mistress of novices with the Dominican Sisters of the Convent of Montesion (Barcelona). She was given the opportunity to escape, but this she refused, out of charity for the others. The family of the Saint, in order to protect her and her sister, Mother Mercedes, Superior of the Convent, asked them to come home. The holy martyr persuaded her sister, who was more infirm than she, to go to their family while she, Saint Josephine, would stay with the remaining Dominican Nuns who had nowhere to go and act as Superior. A benefactress of the community received them into her home, where they were able to stay during the month of August.  On the 31st August, 1936, soldiers entered, and required the Mother Superior of Montesion.  Saint Josefina presented herself to the soldiers without revealing the mistaken identity.  She hoped to save her sister at all costs.  She was interrogated for 12 hours while the soldiers tried to ascertain the whereabouts of a treasure supposed to belong to the community. Vain and futile interrogation, after which the exhausted religious was murdered, 31st August, 1936.

199.- Saint Apolonia Lizarraga del Santisimo Sacramento, martyr.

Mother General of the Carmelites of Charity.  The communists were preventing her from joining her community, and to avoid arrest, she took refuge at the home of Senor and Senora Darner of Barcelona.  Her great preoccupation was to rescue her daughters in religion from the Barcelona inferno, and on two occasions she had tried, little by little, to do so; but the eclesiastical superiors thought it better to wait awhile, thinking that things would soon improve.  But given the constant deterioration, the holy martyr formed a plan to escape and began to prepare documents for her religious, now with the consent of the Bishop.  But the plan was

not to be realized.  During August at the home of the Darners, the Mother General and two other religious filled the time with the prayers prescribed by the rule, the reading of the martyrology, and domestic chores. Placed under house arrest with all those within, except for the wife of the proprietor, the saint was several times interrogated by the communists, who wished information about other persons, particularly Senor Darner.  With no information forthcoming, they terminated the interviews.  Four.soldiers accompanied the holy martyr, who resolutely went to her martyrdom, around the 8th September, 1936.

200.-  Saint Carmelo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, martyr.

20l.-  Saint Eufrosina del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, martyr.

These were blood brother and sister of advanced years, 76 and 77 respectively.  Saint Carmelo was a discalced Carmelite, at baptism named Isidro Paches Pascual.  He had held various offices in the monastery and was Prior during the Republic of the monastery at Saragossa.  Saint Eufrosina was a religious of the Institute of Consolation and had been prioress of several Houses of the Institute.  The war came while she was in Villareal.  The brother and sister came to the family home at Castellon de la Plana, and there they remained until the 5th September, 1936.  Although the holy martyr had a document signed by the Governor, to the effect that he was a private person at the family home on the date given, several soldiers arrived and seized the religious, ignoring the document, and arrested him.  The sister, Saint Eufrosina, would not let him be taken alone, and the two martyrs were driven towards Benicasin, and at the gate of the city were murdered.  It remains to say that they had offered their lives to God.

202.- Saint Josefa de San Juan de Dios Ruano, martyr.

203.-            Saint Eulalia Puig Romany, martyr.

Both were Sisters of the Aged Homeless.  They were taken from thechome at Requena and shot to death on the 8th September, 1936.  Another religious, Sor Gregoria de los Inocentes Perez Mateo, who was badly wounded but did not die, related that the soldiers had the vilest intentions towards Saint Eulalia and herself, who were the youngest at the home.  Facing these scoundrels, the Superior Saint Josefa, in order not to abandon the young sisters, gained consent to be taken with them.  The execution took place in a field by the road to Bunol-Alcira.  Sor Gregoria was rescued by charitable persons and survived the execution.

204.-  Saint Victoria Diez Bustos de Molina,  martyr.

            A Theresian teacher of the village of Hornachuelos (Cordoba), she lived quietly with her mother, doing good to all at school and in the parish. She was taken violently from her home by a group of communists and imprisoned in a neighbouring house.  In another room 17 neighbours were also imprisoned.  On the night of the 12th August, all 18 were taken away and escorted by 40 men with shotguns to the place of execution, some 12 kilometres distance.  The drive through the dark fields was a cruel way of the cross, during which the murderers brutally harassed

them.  Saint Victoria, 33 years old, raised the spirits of her companions, cheered them continually, and filled them with faith and hope. At the place of execution, after the briefest judicial procedure, they were put atop a rock at the opening to a mine.  One by one they were shot and fell into the mine. The holy Theresian martyr was the last victim.  She shouted, "Viva Christ the King! Viva my Mother!,”  her arms forming a cross, her right hand clasping what without doubt was a medal of the Virgin.  Shortly before death, she said:  “I see the Heavens open.”

205.- Saint Antonio Molina Ariza, martyr.

Parish Priest of Hornachuelos (Cordoba), martyred at the mine del Rincon, 12th August, 1936, with Saint Victoria Diez.

206.- Saint Rosario do Soano, martyr.

207.- Saint Serafina de Ochavi, martyr.

Both were Capuchin Tertiaries of the Holy Family.  The former was Vicar General, the latter Counselor General of the Institute.  They belonged to the Convent of Masamagrell (Valencia) and were shot to death on the road from Puzol to Vall de Uxo, the night of 22nd August, 1936.  Saint Rosario de Soano, with great serenity and magnanimity, said to one of the soldiers, "Take this as a sign that I pardon you," putting the ring from her finger in the hand of her murderer. They were made to take a few steps and were then riddled with bullets. During the firing was heard the cry: "Viva Christ the King".

208.- Saint Leandro de Llosa del Obispo, martyr.

Capuchin Priest, professor at the Seminario Serafico of Massamagrell (Valencia), he was murdered by the marxist horde, 22nd July, 1936, on the road from Puzol to Vall de Uxo.

209.- Saint Francisca Javier Fenellosa Alcayna, martyr.

210.-.Saint Vicenta Gonzalez, martyr.

The former belonged to the Novitiate of Masamagrell of the Capuchin Tertiaries of the Holy Family.  The other belonged to the Convent of the Discalced Augustinians at Benigamin (Valencia).  Before dying, Saint Francisca Javier, of the village of Rafelbunol, spoke thus: "'May God forgive you as I forgive you". They were martyred on the 28th September, 1936, by communists in the cemetery of Gilet.

211.- Saint Jose Ruiz Bruixola, martyr.

212.- Saint Joaquina Rey, martyr.

213.- Saint Victoria Arregui, martyr.

Saint Jose Ruiz, octogenarian, parish priest of San Nicolas (Valencia), had sought refuge in Foyos, his native village. There arrived there at the same time the two holy martyrs, Sisters of Charity of the Hospice at Valencia, Saint Joaquina, 31 years old, of strong character, although pleasing and optimistic, and Saint Victoria, 29 years-old, timid and infirm, although generously devoted to the Lord. These religious were arrested on the 28th October and taken to the town

hall, where they met the holy priest and many others.  Saint Jose Ruiz spoke thus:  “The hour has struck.  God will that we be martyrs.  What greater glory could we desire? Forward! No hesitation! Make your peace with God!  A good confession and then, without fear, to martyrdom!"  All received absolution, and together they boarded a motor vehicle which left for Sarunto, stopping at Rafelbunol to collect other passengers.  The holy Priest led the Rosary, asking to be shot last, continuing in a strong voice to recite the Hail Mary's.  Saint Joaquina had intended to persuade

the soldiers with the use of reason, but shortly before firing, she moved rapidly towards a soldier, meaning to strangle him. The holy Priest quickly intervened:  "Sor Joaquina, we shall lose Heaven!  Look, the Angels are descending with palms of martyrdom. Only an instant, and we shall be happy forever!"  The Saint’s reaction was horoic.  With tears, she knelt and begged the soldier for pardon, then.took her place with the martyrs.  They were executed on the 29th October, 1936, in the cemetery of Gilet, between Sagunto and Albalat des Toronchers.

214.- Saint Rodrigo Rubio Duran, martyr.

He was treasurer of the Municipality of Azagua.  Before he was taken to be shot, he wrote to his family:  “My last wish is to confess I am a Catholic.  As such, I pardon my enemies,- if I have any- especially the man who will shoot me.  And with all affection for my mother and brothers, I desire to see God.  I confessed today, 26^th July, 1936.”

215.- Saint Victoria of Jesus, martyr.

216.- Saint Francisca of the Incarnation, martyr.

The former was Superior of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess at the Convent of Martos (Jaen).  The other was a religious of the Trinitarians at the same place. They were arrested on the 12^th January, 1937, by a communist patrol and murdered - by being clubbed on the face and head with rifle butts, and finally shot.  First they had fought hard, defending their purity and frustrating the brutal lust of their murderers. They were martyred on the 13th January, 1937, near Casillas de Martos, 14 kilometres outside the town.

21.- Saint Martina Vazquez, martyr.

A Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of the diocese of Segorbe, she had used  all her inheritance to establish in the city a kitchen for poor transients, a nursery with free consultation for nursing mothers, and other charitable works.  On the 27th July, 1936, the holy martyr, together with other sisters of the community, was brutally ejected from the Hospital at Segorbe, and they took refuge in the house of a friend.  The nuns devoted their time there to prayer and the service of God, without however the assistance of a Priest.  On the 4th October, they had the consolation of receiving absolution imparted by a Priest from his place of hiding in the house facing them. This took place in the morning, and for the remainder of the day Saint Martina, in profound recollection of spirit, was in her room.  At about 9 p.m., a communist patrol called at the door and rudely took the Saint with them.  The superior was helpless to impede them, or send another sister with her.  “They are going to kill me," she said, and kissed each one farewell on the forehead. The holy martyr was sick and infirm, her weakness such that the soldiers had to assist her down the stairs.   When they were prepared to shoot, Saint Martina said:  "Wait a moment ...," and taking out a small silver flask of holy water, she signed herself serenely and piously:  “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” At once she added:  "Now you can shoot ...”  She was executed on the 4th October, 1936.

218.- Saint Sofia Garcia Fuentes, martyr.

A parishioner aged 60, of Loranca del Canapo (Cuenca), she had devoted all her life to domestic work and practices of piety.   She was arrested by the communists, imprisoned in a  damp and dark place, menaced with mock execution, and twice stripped.  Before, murdering her, the soldiers insulted her in word and deed, snatching her medals from her neck, and throwing them into the filth.  While being led to sacrifice, she recited fervent prayers to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Virgin, her two principal devotions.  She was murdered on the 10^th October, 1936, at 4 a.m., on the road from Albacete to Cuenca, near Romita.

219.- Saint Teresa Cejudo, martyr.

This valiant woman, exemplary in every respect, as daughter, wife and mother, lived at Pozoblanco, Cordoba. She was President of the Ladies of Catholic Action and of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.  Of remarkable Eucharistic devotion, she was a great Salesian Tertiary, under the name Maria de Ios Sagrarios.  She was imprisoned on the 22nd August, 1936, offering herself as victim for Spain.  She endured the hardships of prison with great patience, and which she concealed when her sister and daughter visited, so as to calm them.  She was brought before a tribunal, and the prosecutor declared that he found no cause in her to justify even imprisonment.  But the accused declared that she defended neither politics nor capital, only the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. The counsel for the defence came forward, saying that he could not defend a criminal whose ideas were contrary to the established government.  When she was led out to execution, seeing the tears of her sister and daughter, she said:  “Forgive. . . and till we meet in Heaven!"  She asked to die last, as there were 20 in all to be killed, and she died facing the rifles. The good folk of the town spoke of her as a Saint. Her martyrdom took place on the 15th September, 1936.

220.- Saint Vicente Pascua Moronta, martyr crusader.

Lieutenant of the Regiment ‘La Victoria’ of Salamanca, there burned in his heart an inextinguishable flame of love for God and country.  When the National Movement started, his one wish was to fight for the salvation of Spain.  They said to him:  “Pascual, take care!  You have 5 children!"  The soldier replied: "Spain first".  On the 3rd August, 1936, he left for Alto de los Leones, near Guadarrama outside Madrid, to engage the communist army.  His conscience as a soldier led him to treat civilians with kindness, but cowards and traitors with intransigent rigour.  Thus he wrote: "All . . . in order to achieve the object of our aspirations as Christians and patriots. All for the salvation of Spain. All for Spain. . .”  And in effect, as all had to be for Spain, he himself was to give all for Spain. The 8th October, 1936, having been appointed lieutenant, he and his companions were celebrating the promotion. In the face of immanent danger, the martyr crusader, who had never known danger, rose to the occasion.  Saint Vicente Pascua was killed by a bomb, giving his life for God and Spain with the glorious palm of martyrdom.

221.- Saint Juan Ramos, martyr.

Captain of the Garellano of the Garrison at Bilbao, on the 18th July, 1936, the communists took him prisoner.  In prison he was gravely ill, and it was necessary to take him to hospital. There prostrate, and half dead, after a mockery of a trial, he was condemned to death. On the 18th December, the eve of his execution, he wrote a letter to his children:  "Be good Catholics. The more fervent, the better.  Leave aside all human respect in favour of God.  Confess your faith in public and in private as your dearest treasure. . .  And now, before God, in Whose presence I shall stand in a few hours, I proclaim that I have been and am Catholic, content to die offering my life for God and Spain. Viva Christ the King! Viva Espana!   Adios - until we meet in eternity".  On the 19th December, 1936, the holy martyr was shot by the soldiers while shouting: "Viva Christ the King!"

222.- Saint Pablo Murga Ugarte, martyr.

He was Captain of the Garellano of Bilbao.  About to sail for the National zone, the Spain of Saint Francisco Franco, this glorious soldier had documents containing important information, which were discovered by the communists.  Before the tribunal, he confessed boldly that the documents were his, that he knew what he was doing and what risk he was running.  The tribunal asked him why he chose to take that step.  He replied. "Because I am a Catholic and a Spaniard".  He was condemned to death.  Before dying, he said to a Priest who had confessed him:  “Say to my family that my last thought is for God, for Spain, and for them."  Three times he cried, “Viva Espana!” and was riddled with bullets.

223.- Saint Jose Anglada Espana, martyr.

He was commander of Infantry at Bilbao.  Detained by the communists, he appeared before their criminal court, which pretended to administer justice and which condemned him for espionage and treason.  In reality, he was condemned for doing everything possible in order to save Spain from marxist barbarism, which attacked Catholics and authentic patriots. "One dies only once'', he said, "now, or after a few years, it is the same. Still, since we are prepared, it is better now.”  But one sorrow afflicted him: the pain of not living to see the redemption of Spain, for which he was offering his blood. "Happy those who shall see Spain great, such as I have dreamed".  The 18th November 1936, ho wrote to his family: "Tomorrow I shall be shot by the reds. I die for Spain, with the consolations of religion".  Before executing him, the murderers had to carry out the first part of the sentence, to strip the uniform.  But he refused, because he had worn the uniform with pride and honour all his life; because degradation was for traitors, and he was no traitor. He was dying for Spain, and Spain did not deprive him of the uniform.  Violence ensued, but the Captain did not yield; so they chose a symbolic degradation. At the moment of sacrifice, the holy martyr firm and proud, faced his executioners. In his hand he held a crucifix. The Captain sai,d:."I offer my life and my office for Spain!"  The mob shouted insults and jeers.  Saint Jose Anglada was shot to death at 9 a.m., 19th November, 1936.

224.- Saint Jose de Larrucea y Lambarri

225.- Saint Javier de Larrucea. y Samaniego, martyr.

226.- Saint Carlos de Larrucea y Samaniego, martyr.

Thefirst, the father, was a lawyer; the second, a lieutenant of the Artillery; and the third, a student of law. The three were detained in 1936, towards the end of August in Deva (Guipuzcoa), where they were summering, as they normally resided in Bilbao.  The family was honourable and peaceable. The only offence of the family was its profound Catholicism and its great love for Spain.  It had been suggested amicably to Saint Javier that he place his career in the artillery at the service of the republic. However, the holy martyr flatly refused.  They were imprisoned in Bilbao in inhuman circumstances for 4 days. On the 31^st August, 1936, with other prisoners, they were transferred to a ship in the river Baraculdo. Passing a mob, they were greeted with insulting and blasphemous howlings and placed in the hold.  At that very time some planes of the Spanish Nationalists flew over Bilbao and bombed the city. There were fearful moments.  When it was over, the soldiers of the ship cried vengeance and were ready to kill all the prisoners. However, they decided to kill only the father and his two sons. They were summoned on deck and quickly appeared.  First the father, with great serenity, and then the two sons.  Once on deck, they were fired upon. Saint Carlos died at once. The other two suffered several hours, bleeding and moaning, until they died. They had sacrificed their lives, proof of greatest love for God and Spain.

227.- Saint Fernando Vidal-Ribas Torres, martyr.

He was a cavalry officer and member of a Marian society in Barcelona. In May, 1936, he had made a retreat, practising the Spiritual Exercises, and received the grace of an ardent love for God and Spain. The night of the 18th July, he took to the streets of Barcelona with companions of the Regiment, to defend Religion and Spain. The following day he was wounded and was put in hospital for several weeks.  Afterwards he was imprisoned in a ship anchored in the Port of Barcelona.  On the 14th of October he was condemned to death, by a communist tribunal, to be executed on the 16th.  The evening before, the holy martyr wrote two letters, to his father and to his brothers:  "'The crime of which I am accused is that I wont out to defend Spain and Religion.  I give my life for my Spain and for my God, with pleasure and pride.  More than ever, at this moment, I understand that life is not the patrimony of man, but of God. . . .  I thank God for permitting me to die as a true Christian. . . .”  The execution was postponed.  On the 23rd of October, 1936, he was transferred to Montjuich and there killed for God and Spain.   He had the great happiness, that very day, to receive Communion, brought privately to his cell.

228.-  Saint Manuel Falco y Alvarez de Toledo, martyr crusader.

Duke of Fernan Nunez, Lieutenant of cavalry, this distinguished patriot accomplished the sacrifice of his life for God and the salvation of Spain in battle with the communist army.  He could have been very useful serving in the rear guard. He could have gone with his wife and children to Paris. But this great man chose the most meritorious, dangerous and difficult mission at the front, as lieutenant of artillery on the battlefield of Madrid. This was his decision, 27th November, 1936. On the 8th December, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he was at the front when an enemy bullet killed him. On his body was found this letter to his wife and children, written on the day of his offering, Feast of the Miraculous Medal.  “ . . . for the resolution I have taken to participate actively against the reds. This I do, with great satisfaction, since, after the duty of serving God, I thereby fulfill the first duty we have towards men, which is towards the Nation, for which I offer my life. Until now I have been making myself useful serving in the rear guard; but, in the face of such destruction, ruin, savagery, suffering, and of the death of so many friends at the hands of the reds, amidst horrible torture, my conscience accuses me for not doing more.  For these reasons, I now remain tranquil and content . . .”

229.- Saint Ricardo Martorell            y Tellez Giron de Cordoba, martyr crusader.

He was Marquis of Monasterio, Sergeant of the Legion of Sabananigo, at the Aragon front.  At 32, he enrolled as volunteer in the Legion, to fight for the salvation of Spain in the Holy Crusade against marxist tyranny.  No one knew of his aristocratic blood.  His heart was simple and valiant.  In combat, he was impetuous, facing the enemy with valour and generosity more than heroic.  Twice previously wounded, he was killed on the 10th November, 1937, in the defence of the high ground at San Pedro, at the Alto Aragon front. His body was found with the arms open, and he seemed to be smiling and happy, as though feeling the joy of having fulfilled his desire to give his life for God and the salvation of Spain.  He was buried in the cemetery of Sabinanigo, as just another soldier.  On the 19^th of November of that year, a noble lady came there seeking the body of the holy martyr, being of his family. The legionnaires were astonished to think of the silence and simplicity of that soldier of noble blood, Ricardo Martorell, Marquis de Monasterio, descendant of the Dukes of Osuna and Medinaceli.  In the clothing of the sergeant was found a letter in which he freely offered his life for the salvation of Spain,- the last words of which were: "Viva Franco! Spain arise!  Viva the Legion!”

230.- Saint Fernando Bastarreche, martyr.

231.- Saint Rafael Cervera, martyr.

232.- Saint Jose Fullea, martyr.

The first was captain of the ship "Sanchez Barcaiztegui,” which had been moored in the Port of Melilla awaiting the arrival of Legionnaires to be transported to Spain in order to fight the communist army.  The second was second-in-command, and the third an officer. The 17th July, 1936, before the arrival of the legionnaires, the sailors on board imprisoned the three martyrsand set sail for Malaga, where they arrived on the 20th July. The 3 victims were put in the provincial prison, where they remained for 20 days. The holy captain was confined to bed because of an accident. He was attended by his second in command, enduring great sufferings with holy joy. On the 20th of August, they were disgracefully judged by a communist tribunal, and condemned to death.  The holy martyrs were able to confess to a Jesuit Father and prepare for execution on the following day. At 6:00 p.m., they all knelt for a final absolution, and the priest was ordered out by the prison guard. The three martyrs were still on their knes, with hands clasped at the breast. Saint Rafael Cervera said: "Let us go forward for God and Spainl"  They all rose, firm and serene, walked out of the cell, and were shot.  The moment for which the martyrs were hoping during the previous night had come, when they should,go to Heaven.

233.- Saint Fernando Barreto, martyr.

He was Captain of the "Churruca.”  On the 19th July, 1936, the ship left Cadiz and set sail for Ceuta, in order to transport Regulars to fight the communist army.  Hardly out of port, the sailors mutinied, and arriving at Geuta, bombarded the port, and continued towards Malaga, where they handed over the Captain and Officers to the red army. They were imprisoned, and suffered humiliation, jeers and torture.  Saint Fernando Barreto was subjected to an ignominious judicial sentence, on the same day as the three previous martyrs. It was the 20th August, 1936. A Jesuit Father spent the night with the prisoners, preparing them for death the following day. The holy martyr thought of nothing but Heaven, impatiently awaiting the death that would open the gates of eternal happiness for him. As death delayed, the holy martyr exclaimed:  "Even in this they are inhuman. Now they are robbing us of a half hour of Heaven!"  A few minutes later, the holy martyr was shot, having in his heart and on his lips the consoling words he so loved: "Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee".

234.- Saint Javier Quiroga Posada, martyr.

235.- Saint Candido Perez, martyr.

Saint Javier was the Earl of Villar do Fuentes, and Comandante of the naval vessel 'Virgen del Carmen', in the service of the Spain of Saint Francisco Franco. The other martyr was the machinist of the vessel.  Arrested unexpectedly by a platoon of mariners on board, the holy captain cried: "I die for Spain! for Spain! for Spain!"  Brutally tied, they were imprisoned in a cabin, and at Bilbao they were transferred to the prison of Larrington.  On the 8^th of January 1937, having been judged by a communist court, they were condemned to death.  The holy Captain exclaimed, “Our life does not matter!  What matters is the life of Spain!”   The 10^th January, eve of the execution, they duly prepared for the supreme moment, both martyrs confessing to a priest that they had admitted for the purpose.  The holy martyrs revealed a spirit aflame with love for God and Spain.  They asked the holy Captain, “Where do you find the spirit to be able to look calmly at death?”  He replied, “In my faith in God and in Spain. When one feels as we do for God and Spain, it is not difficult to die.”  With this 'we', the Captain included the other martyr, his companion, whom he treated as a brother.  But the holy machinist said:  “My Captain, when we are in Heaven, we shall be equal, but as long as we are here, you are my Captain". They were transferred in different vehicles to the cemetery, under military guard. When all was ready, the martyrs, facing the firing squad, cried out:  “Viva Christ the King! Viva Espana!"  They fired once, and a second time.  The martyrs fell dead to the ground.  Meanwhile the rabble screamed their insults at the holy martyrs.

236.- Saint Bartolome Blanco Marquez, martyr.

He was Vice President of Catholic Youth of Pozoblanco (Cordoba), 21 years of age. An orphan, he had an aunt whom he loved as his own mother, and a fiancee whom he loved with all his soul.  He was delegate of the Catholic Syndicate, and his acquaintances recognized in him the soul of an apostle, his most marked characteristic. The marxist hordes had occupied Pozoblanco on the 15th August, 1936, and three days later, the holy martyr was taken to prison. There he remained until the 24th September, when he was transferred to the prison at Jaen. His whole desire was to suffer a martyrdom most like that of Jesus. After a hard trial, having defended the Catholic Faith, he was condemned to death. In one of his letters he wrote: “. . . condemning me for always defending the high ideals of religion, country and family, they open wide for me to enter the gates of Heaven . . ."  His martyrdom took place on the 2nd October, 1936. When he went out to die, to be more like Christ he went barefoot; he reverently kissed the handcuffs they placed on him.  He requested the platoon to hold fire until he should give the sign. He was placed before an evergreen oak, facing the executioners. He said:  "He who dies for Christ should face this death with open breast.  Now fire!" He opened his arms and cried:  “Viva Christ the Kingl" and fell riddled with bullets at the tree.

237.-  Saint Victor Pradera, martyr.

At the start of the glorious National Movement, he was living with his family in San Sebastian.  The city fell to the communists, but the holy martyr did not wish to abandon it, come what may.  A few days later, a crowd of inhuman marxists came to the house to arrest him.  The Saint did his utmost to avoid this outrage, but in vain.  Imprisoned in Ondarreta, he showed the greatness of his character:  "For me to die does not matter, if thereby I can bequeath to my children a Spain that is clean."  He had to endure many trials.   For a time he was given only bread and water, but the fasting strengthened the martyr.  On the 27th August, Feast of the Transpiercing of the Heart of Saint Teresa, for whom the saint professed great veneration, he had to endure, with his son Javier, also imprisoned, a mock execution. The holy martyr said to his son:  "What greater glory, my son, than to die with your father for God and Spain!"  And together they offered themselves to God and for Spain. The execution was postponed. The saint was subjected to a humiliating and shameful trial, at which he confessed his ideals and his faith.  They offered him a pistol with which to shoot himself.  The Saint rejected the proposal with indignation: "I am a Catholic, Apostolic and Roman. I believe in God.”   "There’s no such God", they said. The saint replied: "Perhaps not for you.  For me, yes!"  The day of martyrdom arrived, 5th September, 1936. Saint Victor Pradera, with other martyrs, stood facing the executioners.  In his hand was a crucifix, which he kissed many times and gave to his companions to kiss. He raised it high, fixed his eyes on those who were to kill him, and with his right hand showing the crucifix, said:  "This is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  If you do not return to Him, you will not be saved.  My only regret, when I die, it not to have seen my Spain saved.  I die like Christ, pardoning. I forgive you.”  No one replied with a word. Shots were fired. The holy martyr fell, clasping the crucifix.

238.- Saint Jose Maria de Arrospedi, martyr.

He was Earl of Plasencia and lived in San Sebastian. His exemplary life was distinguished for his great love towards the Blessed Virgin, the Church, the poor and his family. San Sebastian fell to the communists. The saint had always been prepared to die. He said to his wife:  “Many of us are going to die, but Spain will be great.”  This faith in Spain, joined to faith in God, gave the holy Earl of Plasencia an imperturbable peace and invincible determination.  Arrested by the communists, he was imprisoned in El Kurzal, where he revealed his integrity of character and the nobility of his spirit. One day they said to him:  "Give us 2 million pesetas and you are a free man".  The martyr replied, “No.”  The fortune of the Earl was immense, and his refusal surprised the reds. They asked repeatedly, finally for only 50 thousand pesetas. The saint replied, “Not a farthing. You may shoot me whenever you please, but with my money you are going to wage war against Spain. My life does not count".  On the 5th September he was shot, as he cried: "Viva,Espana! Viva Christ the King!"

235.- Saint Honorio Maura Gamazo, martyr.

He was arrested 23rd July, 1936, in Zarauz (San Sebastian) and imprisoned in the same town. The day following, he was taken, with great suffering, to the prison at San Sebastian.  For the holy maryter, prison was a veritable torture. To increase the mockery, his head was shaved, and he was given the most humiliating chores.  Several times he was made to endure mock executions, using blanks.  They insulted and spat on him, beat him with rifle butts until he was half dead.  One day his wife sent him the 'Imitation', among his greatest joys and consolations.  “I have received the ‘Imitation,'” he wrote to his wife, “and we read it every morning.  At night we recite the Rosary, arms extended like a cross.”  There were other prisoners with him. The 4th September, 1936, a patrol came to kill him.  The saint could have escaped, using the opportunity given by one of the prison guards.  He asked absolution of a Priest, who was to be martyred the same day. He took his Rosary and began to recite the act of contrition. The communist soldiers led him away with insults and blasphemies, while the Saint continued serenely and determinedly to pray the Rosary.  When they aimed their machine guns, Saint Honorio Maura said:  "I die a Spaniard and a Christian.  I forgive you. Viva Espana! Now shoot!"  The saint fell dead.

240.- Saint Mamerto de Allende y Alvarez, martyr.

He was a mining engineer and lived in Bilbao, a model of probity, man of honour, and as well, an integral Catholic of great piety. He was esteemed by all and respected for his convictions.  The 21^st October 1936, he was imprisoned on board the Altuna-Mendi.  In the hold of the ship were 400 prisoners.  It was in effect an obscure dungeon, without air, or f ood, or water.  It was horrible to sleep among the many prisoners on the filthy floor.  And if there was a moment for sleep, down came the guards, full of drink, with pistols, foul language, blasphemy, and guffaws, spreading terror among the unfortunate prisoners.  They hopped over the poor victims, held a torch in their faces, and chose at random those they brought on deck to be shot.  This they did day by day.  At other times, they were stripped on deck and drenched in cold water, suffering the cruelty of shame and shock. Others were thrashed and made to sing.  On the 21^st October, the holy martyr was murdered by a bullet in the heart.  He had died, arms extended in a cross, saying:  "May God forgive me as I forgive you".

241.- Saint Julian Martin-A uso Navarro, martyr.

He was a telegraph officer in Gijon (Asturias).  In the centre of Gijon, this holy martyr accomplished a great mission for the salvation of Spain. On the 19th July, 1936, the Telegraph Centre fell into the hands of the communist revolutionaries, and the saint was deprived of his post. As he was now of no use there, he resolved to serve his country with his life, if necessary. He said to his wife:  "If Spain can be saved by my life, I would be happy to be a martyr.”   Out of office, and hunted by those wild red beasts, he took refuge in the home of his father-in-law.  On the 21st August, Gijon fell to the communist hordes. On the 23rd, at 11 p.m., the churches of the city were set afire.  Near the house where the saint was living, the Parish of San Lorenzo was aflame.  Saint Julian, in the presence of those flames, those embers and sparks, ashes of Consecrated Hosts and Holy Images, fell to his knees and gazed in horror at the sacrilegious conflagration.  An unspeakable sorrow pierced his soul: "My God! The House of God is burning and my house is safe!"  Actually, his house was riddled with gunfire and shrapnel, but the saint only saw the House of God. He renewed his offering of self to the Lord for the salvation of Spain.  On the 27^th August, 1936, Feast of the Transpiercing of the Heart of Saint Teresa, he was arrested by a group of soldiers.  Taking leave of his family, he said:  “I do not know what is to happen.  Whatever God wills!  It would be my greatest happiness if they kill me for my Catholic works.”  On the 6^th September, his family found the body, a bullet in the forehead.

We observe with great joy that the number of saints We have until now canonised has arrived at the beautiful total of 525.  Without doubt, these saints will become special intercessors for all who remain firm in the Faith.

We establish in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima a proper Mass with proper Preface, to be celebrated yearly on the 13th May, in order to commemorate her blessed apparitions in that Sacred Place. This Feast is for the Universal Church.

We establish in honour of Our Lady of Knock (Cnod Mhuire - Our Lady of the Hillock), a proper Mass with proper Preface, to be celebrated each year on the 21st August, commemorating her blessed apparition in that Sacred Place, the Feast being for the Universal Church.

We proclaim for Our Lady of Knock the title "Exalted Patron of Ireland".

We hope that henceforth Ireland will enjoy a most singular protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

We desire to point out that the Apparition of Our Lady of Knock represents profound apocalyptic mysteries, relevant to the future of the Church in Apocalyptic times, which we have begun to live.

We, as Vicar of Christ on earth, avail Ourself of the opportunity to render filial homage to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary for her blessed apparition in Ireland, of which the proximate year 1979 will be the centenary.

We cherish the hope that Our Lady of Knock, Exalted Patron of Ireland, will make possible the true Catholic Union and pacification of Ireland.

We declare Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint Francisco Franco "Exalted Co-patrons of Spain."  To the traditional patronage of the Immaculate and Santiago the Apostle, we join now the co-patronage of these two Saints, in quality of secondary Patrons since, of course, the Immaculate and Santiago remain as principal Patrons.

We hope and expect that these exalted Co-patrons will bring their powerful assistance to bear against marxism and all the enemies of God and Spain.

We proclaim for the Spanish Saint Luisa de Carvajal y Mendoza the title of “Exalted Protectress of the Restoration of the Catholic Faith in England.”

We hopefully expect that England will enjoy her powerful protection in order to attain conversion, and forever abjure the Protestant heresy.

We declare for Saint Claire Marie Louise Ferchaud the title of "Exalted Protectress of the Restoration of the Catholic Faith in France.”

We hopefully expect that this exalted Protectress will make possible that, in the much beloved France, there arise valiant and heroic defenders of the Catholic Faith, who shall unite themselves with Us in the great Crusade against the enemies of God and the Church.

We exhort all the faithful to implore the Saints whom today We have raised to the glory of the altars, a special and permanent protection over the whole Church.

Given in Seville, at the Apostolic See, 23rd November, Feast of the Divine Doctor and of Saint Clement Pope, in the Year of Our Lord MCMLXXVIII.

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