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Feast Day: October 4
Birth: January 10, 1899
Death: October 4, 1936
Blessed Avelí Martínez De Arenzana Candela, born on 10th January 1899 in Barcelona, Spain, was a devout Catholic and a member of the Hospitallers of Saint John of God. He dedicated his life to serving the sick and vulnerable, living out his vocation as an Oblate.
During the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Avelí courageously stood firm in his faith and commitment to serving others, even amidst great danger and persecution. His unwavering dedication to his religious calling and his compassionate care for those in need made him a target for persecution by anti-Catholic forces.
On the fateful day of 4th October 1936, Blessed Avelí Martínez De Arenzana Candela was martyred in La Malvarrosa, Valencia, Spain. He met his death while bravely defending and serving his fellow believers and those in his care.
Recognizing the heroic virtues and sacrificial witness displayed by Blessed Avelí, the Catholic Church officially declared him a martyr. Pope Francis, on 5th July 2013, issued a decree of martyrdom, granting him the title of "Blessed."
This recognition was further solidified on 13th October 2013, when Pope Francis beatified Blessed Avelí Martínez De Arenzana Candela during a special ceremony. This beatification served as a testament to his exemplary life of faith, selflessness, and ultimate sacrifice.
Blessed Avelí Martínez De Arenzana Candela's feast day is celebrated annually on 4th October, honoring the day of his martyrdom. Catholics around the world, particularly those within the Hospitallers of Saint John of God and the region of Valencia, where he died, commemorate his life and seek his intercession.
Blessed Avelí Martínez De Arenzana Candela serves as an inspirational figure, reminding us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, serving others with love and compassion, even in the face of adversity. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire countless individuals to live out their faith and devote themselves to the care of the sick and vulnerable.