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Feast Day: August 3
Birth: April 4, 1908
Death: August 1, 3
Blessed Antonio Isidoro Arrué Peiró, also known as Blessed Antonio Arrué, was a layman in the Archdiocese of Valencia, Spain. Born on 4 April 1908 in Calatayud, Zaragoza, Spain, he was the son of a wood carver and learned the art from his father. However, tragedy struck him at a young age when he was orphaned in 1926, around the age of 18.
Following the loss of his parents, Antonio decided to leave his hometown and moved to the city of Zaragoza, Spain. Unfortunately, he started experiencing severe depression, which ultimately led to his hospitalization on two occasions. Despite these challenges, fate intervened when he encountered a remarkable individual named Blessed Ricardo Gil Barcelón in 1931, at the age of 23.
Upon meeting Father Ricardo, Antonio realized that his life's purpose was deeply intertwined with helping the poor and serving others. In this newfound mission, he actively participated in Father Ricardo's ministry to the poor and volunteered at a local tuberculosis hospital. Known for his seriousness, diligent work ethic, and his discernment towards religious life, Antonio began feeling a profound calling.
Eager to answer this call, Antonio sought to join the Sons of Divine Providence, known as the Sa-Fa Istituto Figli di S. Alfonso Maria de Liguori. However, due to the political turmoil caused by the Spanish Civil War, he was unable to formally join the religious institute. Despite these challenges, Antonio's commitment to his vocation remained unwavering.
Tragically, bearing witness to the intensity of the hostility towards Catholics during this time, Antonio's life took an even more harrowing turn. In 1936, he was arrested alongside Father Ricardo by anti-Catholic anarchist militiamen. Devastatingly, he held Father Ricardo during his final moments as he lay dying. Subsequently, Antonio himself was martyred, beaten to death with a rifle butt to the back of the head on 3 August 1936, on El Saler beach near Valencia, Spain.
Blessed Antonio Arrué's life stands as a testament to his unwavering faith, selflessness, and dedication to serving others, even in the face of immense suffering and persecution. His beatification took place on 27 October 2013, by Pope Benedict XVI, honoring his martyrdom and his testimony of living out the Gospel virtues in the midst of great adversity. On his feast day, 3 August, the Catholic Church commemorates and celebrates the life and sacrifice of this blessed soul.