Blessed Buenaventura Garcíaparedes Pallasá

Biography

Blessed Buenaventura Garcíaparedes Pallasá, also known as Bonaventure of Saint Louis Bertran, was born on 19 April 1866 in Castañedo, Valdés, Asturias, Spain. He came from a devout family of shepherds and as a young boy, he helped work the fields.

Blessed Buenaventura received his education at the Dominican Apostolic School and later entered the Dominican Order as a novice in Toledo, Spain. In 1887, he made his solemn profession and took the name Bonaventure of Saint Louis Bertran. He then pursued his theological studies in various cities in Spain including Avila, Salamanca, Valencia, and Madrid, focusing on the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

On 25 July 1891, Blessed Buenaventura was ordained a priest in Avila, and he furthered his studies, obtaining doctorates in philosophy and civil law. After completing his studies, he returned to Avila and began teaching while also engaging in writing.

In 1901, Blessed Buenaventura became the Prior of his house and later founded a school in Segovia, Spain. His dedication and leadership skills led him to be appointed as the Superior of the province of Manila, Philippines on 14 May 1910. In this role, he supervised the construction of schools and hospitals in China, Japan, and Vietnam. He also focused on recruiting more Dominican friars and ensuring their proper spiritual formation. To promote their mission work, he founded the magazine Missiones Dominicans.

Blessed Buenaventura's commitment to education and intellectual pursuits led him to establish the Theological Study Center of New Orleans, Louisiana. His efforts extended beyond academia, and he worked to bring the Gospel to people around the world.

Despite his desire for retirement, Blessed Buenaventura was elected as the reluctant Master-General of the Dominicans on 22 May 1926. He faithfully carried out his duties in this position and continued to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Dominican Order.

Tragically, during the persecutions of the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Buenaventura Garcíaparedes Pallasá was martyred. He was shot by a firing squad on 12 August 1936 in Fuencarral, Madrid, Spain. His remains were initially buried in the cemetery of Fuencarral, but in 1940, they were re-interred in the crypt of the Santísimo Rosario Church in Madrid. Finally, in 1967, his remains were laid to rest at the Convento de Santo Tomás de Ávila, Madrid.

Blessed Buenaventura Garcíaparedes Pallasá was venerated by Pope John Paul II on 26 June 2006, who issued a decree of martyrdom. Later, on 28 October 2007, Pope John Paul II beatified him, recognizing his heroic virtues and his sacrifice for the faith. Blessed Buenaventura's life stands as an example of devotion, scholarship, and courage, inspiring all who follow in his footsteps.