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Feast Day: August 2
Birth: February 4, 1875
Death: August 1, 2
Blessed Felipe De Jes√∫s Munárriz Azcona, also known as Blessed Felipe Munárriz, was born on 4 February 1875 in Allo, Navarra, Spain, to a devoutly religious family. Inspired by the faith of his parents, he felt a deep calling to serve God from an early age. This calling eventually led him to join the Claretian order, following in the footsteps of two of his brothers.
In 1886, Felipe entered the Claretians, an order founded by Saint Anthony Mary Claret, which was dedicated to preaching and promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Felipe displayed exceptional dedication and love for his vocation, and over the years, his commitment to the Claretian charism and spirituality became his hallmark.
After completing his studies at Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Felipe was ordained to the priesthood in 1898. He possessed a great love for formation, which led him to serve as a novice master, guiding and nurturing the younger members of the Claretian community. His gentle nature, combined with his deep spiritual wisdom, made him an excellent mentor and role model for those under his care.
One of Felipe's significant contributions was his tireless efforts to combat tuberculosis, a disease that was rampant during his time. Recognizing the suffering of those afflicted by the illness, he worked diligently to alleviate their pain and provided spiritual solace to many. Felipe's dedication to the sick and marginalized stemmed from his profound belief in the inherent dignity of every human being.
Throughout his ministry, Felipe held various leadership positions within the Claretian communities. He served as the superior in cities such as Barcelona, Cartagena, and Zaragoza, demonstrating his ability to lead with humility and foster a spirit of unity among the members. Additionally, he became renowned for his eloquent preaching during home missions, attracting countless individuals to the Catholic faith and drawing them closer to God.
Felipe had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which permeated every aspect of his life. He exemplified the virtues of humility, obedience, and simplicity, and sought to impart these teachings to the younger members of the Claretian Order and the seminarians he encountered. Through his own unwavering faith, Felipe inspired others to nurture a personal relationship with God and to live lives rooted in compassion and service.
Unfortunately, Felipe's journey of faith was cut short during the Spanish Civil War, a time marked by religious persecution in Spain. On 2 August 1936, he was tragically martyred at the gates of the cemetery in Barbastro, Huesca, Spain. His steadfast commitment to his faith, even in the face of persecution, was a testament to his unwavering devotion to Christ.
Felipe De Jes√∫s Munárriz Azcona was venerated by Pope John Paul II on 7 March 1992, who recognized his martyrdom through a decree. On 25 October 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified him, declaring him blessed. His feast days are celebrated on both 2 August and 13 August, as one of the Martyred Claretians of Barbastro, honoring his ultimate sacrifice for Christ and the Catholic Church.
Blessed Felipe Munárriz remains an inspiration for Catholics worldwide, particularly for his unyielding faith, compassionate service, and unwavering commitment to the Claretian spirituality. His life serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the call to emulate the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.