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Feast Day: May 22
Birth: August 31, 1914
Death: May 22, 1938
Blessed Francisco Salinas Sánchez, born on August 31, 1914, in Almeria, Spain, was a devoted layman in the diocese of Almeria. He had a deep aspiration to join the Franciscan Friars Minor and dedicate his life to serving God and his fellow brothers and sisters.
Francisco's faith and commitment to God led him to discern a vocation as he entered the formation program of the Franciscan Friars Minor. However, his journey towards becoming a friar was tragically cut short due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.
During this turbulent period in Spain's history, Francisco, along with many others, faced persecution for their Catholic faith. Despite the dangers surrounding him, he courageously continued to embrace his Christian beliefs and steadfastly refused to renounce his allegiance to the Church.
Unfortunately, on May 22, 1938, in Turón, Granada, Francisco Salinas Sánchez witnessed the ultimate sacrifice. He was martyred for his unyielding devotion to Christ, becoming a symbol of unwavering faith amidst the tumultuous times of the Spanish Civil War.
Recognizing his heroic virtues and martyrdom, Pope Francis proclaimed Francisco Salinas Sánchez as venerable on June 14, 2016. A year later, on March 25, 2017, Pope Francis beatified him in a ceremony held at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce in Almería, Spain. Cardinal Angelo Amato presided over the beatification, which honored Francisco's exemplary life and death.
Blessed Francisco Salinas Sánchez's feast day is celebrated on May 22nd annually, a day to remember his steadfastness and dedication to his faith. His beatification serves as an inspiration for all believers, reminding them of the ultimate sacrifice some individuals make in remaining steadfast in their beliefs, even in the face of persecution and adversity.