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Feast Day: October 14
Birth: January 24, 1888
Death: October 14, 1936
Blessed Ana María Aranda Riera, also known simply as Ana María Aranda, was a lay woman in the archdiocese of Valencia, Spain. She was born on 24 January 1888 in Denia, Alicante, Spain. Baptized at the tender age of two days, Anna María grew up in a devout Catholic family and was rooted in her faith from an early age.
Ana María was a devout Catholic who attended Mass every day, finding solace and inspiration in the Eucharist. Her love for Christ and her desire to serve Him led her to become an active member of Catholic Action, an Apostolic association that aims to promote and facilitate the Catholic faith in various fields of social and cultural life.
As a catechist, Ana María was known for her dedicated work with the poor and marginalized in her community. She tirelessly shared the teachings of the Catholic Church, providing spiritual guidance and support to those in need. Her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to uplifting others made her a beloved figure in the community.
Tragically, during the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War, Ana María Aranda Riera became a victim of persecution for her Catholic faith. On 14 October 1936, she was martyred at the Picadero de Paterna in Valencia, Spain. Her unwavering faith and refusal to renounce her beliefs in the face of persecution served as a powerful testament to her devotion to Christ.
In recognition of her ultimate sacrifice for her faith, Ana María Aranda Riera was venerated by Pope John Paul II on 18 December 2000, who declared her a martyr. Her beatification ceremony took place on 11 March 2001, also presided over by Pope John Paul II, bringing her one step closer to sainthood.
Blessed Ana María Aranda Riera continues to inspire Catholics around the world through her exemplary life of dedication to God and service to others. Her feast day is celebrated on 14 October, the anniversary of her martyrdom, providing a reminder of her faith-filled life and the ultimate sacrifice she made for her beliefs.