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Feast Day: August 26
Birth: December 13, 1876
Death: August 1, 14
Blessed Alejandro Más Ginester, also known as Father Pedro of Benisa, was born on 13 December 1876 in Benisa, Alicante, Spain. He was the youngest of four children born to Francisco Más and Vicenta Ginestar.
On 1 August 1893, at the age of 16, Alejandro joined the Franciscan Capuchins at the convent of Saint Mary Magdalen in Massamagrell, Spain. It was there that he began his journey in service to God and others.
Alejandro made his perpetual vows on 8 August 1897, fully embracing the religious life within the Capuchin Order. He showed great dedication to his faith and a strong commitment to adhering to the Rule of his Order.
After years of spiritual and academic training, Alejandro was ordained as a priest on 22 December 1900 in Ollería, Spain. He devoted his ministry to serving the youth and engaging in catechesis, recognizing the importance of guiding and nurturing young souls in their faith journeys.
Father Pedro, as he came to be known, was admired for his strict personal adherence to the principles and teachings of the Capuchin Order. His example of humility, simplicity, and love resonated with those he encountered, prompting them to embrace their own faith more deeply.
Tragically, during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Father Pedro experienced great persecution for his unwavering dedication to his faith and priestly duties. On 25 August 1936, he was martyred in Vergel, Alicante, Spain, being shot 14 times. His sacrifice and martyrdom stood as a testament to his unrelenting devotion to God and the Catholic Church.
Father Pedro was buried in Denia, Spain, but his remains were later exhumed on 30 July 1939 and re-interred at the chapel of martyrs of the Capuchin convent of Saint Mary Magdalen in Massamagrell, Spain. The faithful gathered there to venerate his memory and seek intercession from this courageous servant of God.
His heroic virtues and martyrdom struck a chord with the Catholic Church. On 20 December 1999, Pope John Paul II decreed the recognition of his martyrdom, acknowledging the extraordinary sacrifice and witness of Father Pedro. Following this decree, Father Pedro was beatified by the same pope on 11 March 2001.
Blessed Alejandro Más Ginester, Father Pedro of Benisa, remains an inspiration to Catholics worldwide. His life of dedication, his unwavering love for God and the Church, and his ultimate sacrifice continue to touch the hearts of believers, inviting them to live lives filled with faith, courage, and selfless service.