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Feast Day: August 25
Birth: January 27, 1860
Death: August 25, 1936
Blessed Antoni Vilamassana Carulla, also known as Blessed Antoni Vilamassana, was a Claretian brother who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. He was born on January 27, 1860, in Massoteres, a small town in Lleida, Spain.
From a young age, Antoni Vilamassana Carulla showed a strong inclination towards religious life. He entered the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians, and dedicated his life to serving God and his fellow brothers and sisters.
As a Claretian brother, Blessed Antoni Vilamassana served humbly and quietly, performing various tasks within the congregation. He had a deeply rooted devotion to the Virgin Mary and took great joy in caring for the needs of others.
However, during the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War, when anti-Catholic sentiment was on the rise, Blessed Antoni Vilamassana became a target for hatred and persecution. Despite the imminent danger, he refused to renounce his faith and continued to live his life in service to God.
On August 25, 1936, in the town of Valls, Tarragona, Spain, Blessed Antoni Vilamassana Carulla was martyred for his unwavering faith. He was brutally killed as a result of his commitment to the Catholic Church and his refusal to abandon his religious convictions.
His martyrdom did not go unnoticed, and his exemplary commitment to the faith inspired many. As a result, on June 28, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared Blessed Antoni Vilamassana Carulla venerable, recognizing his heroic virtue and his sacrifice for the sake of his beliefs.
Further affirming his holiness, on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis beatified Antoni Vilamassana Carulla in a ceremony held in Tarragona, Spain. This beatification serves as a testament to his sanctity and his admirable devotion to the Catholic Church.
Blessed Antoni Vilamassana Carulla's life is a reminder of the courage, commitment, and sacrifice that many faithful Catholics displayed during a challenging period in Spanish history. His memory is honored on August 25th, and his life continues to inspire countless individuals as a model of true faith and selflessness.