Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández

Biography

Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández, also known as Father Francisco Bejarano Fernández, was a Catholic Priest of the diocese of Córdoba, Spain. He dedicated his life to serving the community of Añora, where he was born on June 1, 1877.

Father Francisco Bejarano Fernández lived during a tumultuous period in Spanish history, as he was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. He faced immense persecution and suffered in prison in Daimiel, Ciudad Real, where he ultimately lost his life on February 26, 1938. His death was a result of the abuses he endured during his imprisonment, which he endured with fortitude and unyielding faith.

Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández's dedication to his ministry and his unwavering commitment to his faith made him an inspiration to many. Recognizing his heroic virtue and the sacrificial nature of his death, Pope Francis decreed his martyrdom on November 23, 2020, leading to his veneration as a Blessed.

On October 16, 2021, a momentous day for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis officially beatified Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández. The beatification recognition ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Córdoba, Spain, and was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro.

The beatification of Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández is a significant milestone, as it highlights his exemplary life, his martyrdom, and his steadfast dedication to his vocation as a priest. His beatification serves as a reminder of the countless individuals who sacrificed their lives during the Spanish Civil War due to their unwavering faith and loyalty to their calling.

Although no specific representations have been attributed to Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández, his life and martyrdom can serve as an embodiment of courage, resilience, and selflessness for believers around the world. His feast day is commemorated annually on February 26, a day to honor his memory and seek his intercession.