Blessed Geronimo Limón Márquez

Biography

Blessed Geronimo Limón Márquez, also known as Luis of Valencina, was a Franciscan Capuchin priest who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. He was born on 27 March 1885 in Valencina del Alcor, which is now known as Valencina de la Concepción, in the province of Seville, Spain.

As a young man, Geronimo Limón Márquez felt a deep calling to serve God and humanity, leading him to enter the religious life. He joined the Capuchin Franciscan order and was ordained as a priest, devoting himself to the service of God and his fellow Spaniards.

During the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War, which erupted in 1936, the Catholic Church faced severe persecution in Spain. In the midst of this violence, Geronimo Limón Márquez remained faithful to his calling and continued to provide spiritual guidance and comfort to those in need. However, his steadfast commitment to his faith ultimately cost him his life.

On 3 August 1936, in the town of Antequera, in the province of Málaga, Spain, Geronimo Limón Márquez was martyred for his unwavering dedication to his religious beliefs. He was executed for refusing to renounce his faith and remained steadfast in his commitment to God until the very end.

The heroic example of Geronimo Limón Márquez's life and martyrdom did not go unnoticed. On 27 March 2013, Pope Francis officially recognized his martyrdom with a decree, and Geronimo Limón Márquez was subsequently venerated as a Blessed. Further honoring his memory, Pope Francis beatified him on 13 October 2013.

Blessed Geronimo Limón Márquez serves as an inspiration to all believers, reminding us of the courage and unwavering faith that can be found in the face of adversity. His martyrdom stands as a testament to the power of religious conviction and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Today, he is remembered and venerated by Catholics around the world, particularly on his feast day, which falls on 3 August each year.