Blessed Fermí Martorell Vies

Biography

Blessed Fermí Martorell Vies, also known as Blessed Fermí Martorell, was a Spanish Catholic priest and a member of the Sons of the Holy Family. He was born on 3 November 1879 in Margalef, Tarragona, Spain.

Fermí Martorell dedicated his life to serving God and his community. He served as a teacher at Saint Peter the Apostle school in Reus, Tarragona, where he had a significant impact on the education and spiritual formation of countless students. Additionally, he held the important responsibility of treasurer within his religious community, the Sons of the Holy Family.

During the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War, when the Catholic Church faced severe persecution, Blessed Fermí Martorell was arrested on 27 July 1936. His arrest was solely based on the crime of being a priest, a profession targeted by anti-Catholic forces during that time. After his arrest, he was imprisoned on the ship Rio Segre of Tarragona, enduring difficult conditions.

Sadly, on the fateful day of 25 August 1936, at approximately 10 am, Blessed Fermí Martorell was executed for his faith. He was martyred for his unwavering commitment to his priesthood and his dedication to spreading the love of Christ.

Blessed Fermí Martorell Vies is remembered and venerated for his courage and faithfulness until the end. His Feast Day is celebrated on 25 August, marking the anniversary of his martyrdom.

Recognizing the heroic virtues and sacrifice of Blessed Fermí Martorell, he was venerated on 10 May 2012 with the decree of martyrdom by Pope Benedict XVI. Further honoring his memory, Pope Francis beatified him on 13 October 2013, raising him to the esteemed rank of the Blessed in the Catholic Church.

Today, the memory of Blessed Fermí Martorell Vies serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and the high price paid by many priests and faithful during tumultuous times in Spain. His life is an inspiration, encouraging us to persevere in our faith and to remain steadfast in times of adversity.