Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela

Biography

Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela, born on 29 April 1908 in Cardeñadijo, Burgos, Spain, was a devoted Catholic priest and martyr. He was also known as a father figure to many of the young boys he taught and mentored at the minor seminary of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Canet de Mar, Spain.

After completing his studies, Blessed Antonio joined the congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart on 30 September 1928. His dedication and passion in serving God led him to be ordained as a priest on 6 April 1935. He took on the role of teaching Latin to the students at the Missionaries' school, while also serving as the treasurer.

Blessed Antonio possessed exceptional physical strength, which endeared him to many of the boys under his care. He became a father figure, offering guidance, support, and love to those he taught. His presence had a profound impact on their lives and faith.

Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, on 21 July 1936, Communist militia forces stormed the school and captured Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela, along with several other brother Missionary priests. Recognizing the danger they were in, they managed to escape on the night of 3 August 1936, with the hope of reaching France for safety.

However, their journey was cut short when they were recaptured in the mountains on 28 September 1936. The militia transported them by bus to the Pont de Ser, where they were held captive. Simply for their status as priests, Blessed Antonio and his fellow priests were executed on 29 September 1936. They were tragically machine-gunned at a ruined house next to the Pont de Ser by members of the Communist militia.

Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela was martyred for his unwavering faith and dedication to the priesthood amidst the chaos and violence of the Spanish Civil War. His body was initially buried in a nearby mass grave, but on 30 March 1940, his relics were re-interred in a niche at the cemetery of Canet de Mar, Spain.

Recognizing his sacrifice and devotion to the faith, Pope Francis venerated Blessed Antonio on 8 July 2016 with a decree of martyrdom. Furthermore, on 6 May 2017, Pope Francis beatified him during a ceremony held at the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Girona, Spain. The beatification was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, acknowledging the sanctity and heroic virtue displayed by Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela throughout his life and in his martyrdom.

Today, the life and example of Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela continue to inspire and remind us of the cost that some bear for their unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith, as well as the transformative power of love and mentorship in the lives of young people.