Blessed Amalia Abad Casasempere De Maestre

Biography

Blessed Amalia Abad Casasempere De Maestre was a lifelong lay woman in the archdiocese of Valencia, Spain. She was born on 11 December 1897 in Alcoi, Alicante, Spain, and was baptized on the day of her birth. Amalia was confirmed in 1906 and made her first communion on 22 May 1907, expressing her deep faith from an early age.

On 6 September 1924, she married Army Captain Luis Maestre Vidal, and together they became parents to three daughters. Amalia was a devoted wife and dedicated mother, raising her children in the Catholic faith and instilling in them the values of love, kindness, and compassion.

Amalia was an active member of Catholic Action, a lay movement that aimed to promote the teachings of the Gospel and the social doctrine of the Church. She passionately participated in the organization's activities, seeking to spread the message of Christ's love to those around her.

Tragedy struck Amalia's life when her husband, Luis Maestre Vidal, passed away in 1927, leaving her a widow at a young age. Despite her loss, she remained steadfast in her faith, finding solace and strength in her relationship with God.

During the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Amalia's unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith and her active involvement in Catholic Action drew attention and made her a target of persecution. She was imprisoned, subjected to abuse, starvation, and various forms of maltreatment.

Amalia's endurance and unyielding faith during her time in captivity serve as a testament to her exemplary virtue. She remained steadfast in her beliefs, offering forgiveness to her oppressors and praying for their salvation.

Tragically, on 26 September 1936, Amalia Abad Casasempere De Maestre was martyred in Benillup, Alicante, Spain. Her courageous witness to the Gospel and her unwavering defense of her faith in the face of persecution are a profound inspiration to all.

In recognition of her martyrdom and exceptional holiness, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 18 December 2000. Furthermore, on 11 March 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified Amalia Abad Casasempere De Maestre, officially recognizing her as Blessed.

As a blessed within the Catholic Church, Amalia's feast day is celebrated on 28 September each year, providing an opportunity for faithful Catholics to honor and seek her intercession. Her life story continues to inspire countless people to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity, and to embody the virtues of love, forgiveness, and unwavering trust in God.