No image available
Feast Day: August 11
Birth: July 5, 1898
Death: August 1, 11
Blessed Benjamín Fernández De Legaria Goñi, also known as Father Teofilo or Teofilo Fernández de Legaria Goñi, was born on 5 July 1898 in Torralba de Río, Navarra, Spain. He was the son of Tomas, a farmer, and Fermina, a school teacher who dedicated over 50 years of her life to educating children. From an early age, Blessed Benjamín showed great aptitude for learning and excelled as a student.
At the age of ten, Blessed Benjamín entered a junior seminary to pursue his vocation to the priesthood. Throughout his years of schooling, he continued to be recognized as an outstanding student. In 1915, he joined the Picpus Fathers at the San Miguel del Monte convent near Miranda, Spain, where he became a novice. It was during this time that he began his journey as a gifted teacher.
On 22 September 1925, Blessed Benjamín was ordained a priest. His dedication to education and his passion for spreading the faith led him to earn a doctorate in theology. In the years leading up to the Spanish Civil War, when anti-Catholic sentiments were rising, Blessed Benjamín worked tirelessly to continue education in Madrid.
When the Spanish Civil War broke out, Blessed Benjamín transformed his seminary into a hospital to provide care for those in need. However, tragedy struck when Communist militia men arrived with wounded soldiers. Recognizing Blessed Benjamín as a priest, they abducted him at gunpoint and subsequently martyred him on 11 August 1936 in El Escorial, Madrid.
Blessed Benjamín Fernández De Legaria Goñi's courageous and selfless sacrifices in the name of his faith earned him the title of martyr. He was laid to rest at the chapel of Saint Damien of Molokai, in the parish of the Sacred Hearts in Madrid.
Recognizing the holiness of his life and the ultimate sacrifice he made, Pope Benedict XVI declared the venerability of Blessed Benjamín Fernández De Legaria Goñi on 3 July 2009 through a decree of martyrdom. Pope Francis further recognized his sanctity by beatifying him on 13 October 2013. His feast day is celebrated on 11 August each year.
Blessed Benjamín's story serves as an inspiring reminder of his unwavering commitment to his calling, his dedication to education, and his ultimate sacrifice for the faith he held dear. His life continues to be an example of courage, faith, and love for God and others.