No image available
Feast Day: August 20
Birth: November 21, 1875
Death: August 20, 1936
Blessed Blanca De Lucía Y Ortiz De Velasco was a married lay woman in the diocese of Córdoba, Spain, who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. She was born on 21 November 1875 in Palma del Río, Córdoba, Spain. Blanca lived a devout and exemplary Christian life, dedicated to her family and her faith.
Blanca was known for her piety and deep love for God. She was a devoted wife and mother, raising her children in a loving and religious environment. Blanca's strong faith in God and her unwavering commitment to her Catholic beliefs became evident during the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War.
The Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, was a time of immense social and political upheaval in Spain. It also became a period of intense persecution for Catholics, as the anti-Catholic forces sought to suppress religious freedom. Blanca, despite the dangers, remained steadfast in her faith and refused to renounce her Catholic beliefs.
Tragically, Blanca's commitment to her faith ultimately led to her martyrdom. On 20 August 1936, she was martyred in Palma del Río, Córdoba, Spain, for refusing to deny her Catholic identity. The circumstances surrounding her martyrdom are not fully detailed, but it is believed that she faced significant persecution and possibly even violence because of her steadfast adherence to her Christian faith.
Blanca's unwavering courage and dedication to her beliefs have earned her veneration by the Catholic Church. On 23 November 2020, Pope Francis decreed her martyrdom, recognizing her as a woman who gave her life for her faith. This decree paved the way for her beatification, which took place on 16 October 2021 at the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Córdoba, Spain.
The beatification ceremony, presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, celebrated Blanca's courageous witness to the Catholic faith. It served as a recognition of her sanctity and an inspiration for all Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution.
Blessed Blanca De Lucía Y Ortiz De Velasco's sacrifice serves as a reminder of the immense bravery and resilience of the Catholic faithful during turbulent times. Her life and martyrdom continue to inspire many to remain firm in their beliefs and to stand up for religious freedom and the rights of all individuals to express their faith without fear.