No image available
Feast Day: August 21
Birth: August 27, 1920
Death: August 21, 1936
Blessed Antonio Gaitán Perabad was a remarkable teenage boy who lived in the diocese of Córdoba, Spain during the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War. He was born on 27 August 1920 in El Carpio, Córdoba, Spain.
Antonio grew up in a devout Catholic family, where he learned the values of faith, love, and compassion. Despite his young age, he exhibited a deep commitment to his religious beliefs, embracing the teachings of the Church and becoming an inspiring example to those around him.
Tragically, the Spanish Civil War brought immense suffering and religious persecution to the region, and Antonio found himself caught in the crossfire of the conflict. On 21 August 1936, at the tender age of 15, Antonio was martyred for his unwavering faith in El Carpio, Córdoba, Spain. He courageously refused to renounce his Catholic faith and succumbed to the violence inflicted upon him.
Although his life was cut short, Antonio's unwavering faith and bravery touched the hearts of many, and his incredible sacrifice soon became widely known. His story and martyrdom, inspiring and powerfully symbolic, gained recognition by the Catholic Church.
On 23 November 2020, Pope Francis, recognizing Antonio's martyrdom and sanctity, declared him venerable. This declaration affirmed Antonio's heroic virtues and paved the way for his beatification. On 16 October 2021, Pope Francis officially beatified him during a ceremony held at the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Córdoba, Spain. The beatification recognition was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro.
Blessed Antonio Gaitán Perabad serves as a shining example of faith, courage, and dedication to God, particularly for young people facing challenges in their spiritual lives. His feast day is celebrated on 21 August each year, providing an opportunity for Catholics to honor his memory and draw inspiration from his remarkable life.
As his story continues to be told and his intercession sought, may Blessed Antonio Gaitán Perabad be a source of strength and inspiration for all those who face adversity, reminding us of the power of unwavering faith and the ultimate sacrifice some are willing to make for their beliefs.