Blessed Antoni Serra Hortal

Biography

Blessed Antoni Serra Hortal, also known as Brother Adolf Jaume, was born on 19 December 1880 in Banyoles, Girona, Spain. He was a devoted member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a religious congregation founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle in the 17th century. Antoni dedicated his life to the service of God and the education of young people.

As a member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Antoni Serra Hortal was deeply committed to his vocation as a teacher. He exemplified the values of faith, love, and sacrifice in his work, striving to instill these virtues in the hearts of his students. Antoni's dedication to nurturing young minds was widely recognized, and he became known for his compassion, patience, and ability to inspire his students to excel.

The Spanish Civil War, which broke out in 1936, created a challenging and dangerous environment for religious men and women in Spain. Antoni Serra Hortal's unwavering faith and commitment to his religious order brought him face-to-face with persecution. On 6 August 1936, in Santa Maria de Corco, Barcelona, he was martyred for his faith, becoming a witness to the Gospel and a true exemplar of Christian courage and fidelity.

Recognizing his supreme sacrifice and the holiness of his life, Antoni Serra Hortal was venerated by the Catholic Church on 22 June 2004 when Pope John Paul II issued the decree of martyrdom. His beatification ceremony took place on 28 October 2007, presided over by Pope Benedict XVI, who elevated him to the esteemed rank of Blessed.

Blessed Antoni Serra Hortal's life serves as an inspiration to all who seek to live out their faith with dedication and integrity. His martyrdom teaches us the profound importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity and persecution, and his devotion to education reminds us of the transformative power of knowledge and the role of educators in shaping the future generations. On his feast day, which is celebrated on 6 August, the faithful remember the life and martyrdom of this brave and holy man, imploring his intercession for strength and courage in their own journeys of faith.