Blessed Fernando De Pablos Fernández

Biography

Blessed Fernando De Pablos Fernández, also known as Fernando De Pablos or Brother Fernando, was born on 6 April 1876 in Valcuende, León, Spain. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and developed a strong faith from an early age.

Fernando pursued a career in education and became a teacher in a public school. However, his desire to dedicate his life to God and his fellow human beings led him to answer the call to religious life. He entered the Dominican Order and made his profession at Almagro, Spain in 1904, receiving the religious name of Brother Fernando.

After his profession, Brother Fernando served in various locations, living a life of simplicity, prayer, and service. He was known for his commitment to his duties and his deep devotion to the Catholic Church. In recognition of his faith and dedication, he was assigned to serve as a sacristan in Almería, Spain.

Tragically, during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Brother Fernando found himself faced with intense persecution due to his Catholic faith. On 21 July 1936, at the outbreak of the war, he was forced to flee from the anti-Catholic Communist militia. However, his escape was short-lived, as he was discovered just six days later, on 27 July.

Brother Fernando was subsequently imprisoned on the Astoy Mendi prison ship for several grueling weeks. Despite the difficult conditions and the uncertainty of his fate, he remained steadfast in his faith and drew strength from his trust in God. Finally, on 26 September 1936, Brother Fernando was brutally executed at the gates of the cemetery in Pozo Cantavieja, Tahal, Almería, Spain.

His martyrdom testifies to his unwavering commitment to Christ and the Church, even in the face of immense danger and persecution. Blessed Fernando De Pablos Fernández was recognized for his heroic virtue and sacrifice on 11 December 2019 when Pope Francis declared him venerable by decree of martyrdom, signifying that he lived a life of extraordinary faithfulness and devotion to God.

Throughout his life, Blessed Fernando De Pablos Fernández exemplified the essence of a true Catholic Saint, serving as an inspiration and a model of faith, courage, and selflessness. He is remembered and venerated on 26 September as his primary feast day, while some calendars also commemorate him on 11 September. Though Beatification details are not available at this point, he has been recognized as a martyr and his cause for beatification may continue in the future.