Blessed Gregorio Álvarez Fernández

Biography

Blessed Gregorio Álvarez Fernández, also known as Juan Pablo, was a professed religious in the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commonly known as the De La Salle Brothers. He was born on 9 May 1904 in Bolaños de Campos, Valladolid, Spain.

Gregorio Álvarez Fernández entered the religious life and joined the De La Salle Brothers, a congregation dedicated to providing education to children, particularly in deprived areas. He dedicated his life to serving God and educating young minds, following in the footsteps of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the order.

During the turbulent period of the Spanish Civil War, which took place from 1936 to 1939, Gregorio Álvarez Fernández became a victim of religious persecution. He was martyred on 30 November 1936 in Paracuellos de Jarama, Madrid, Spain. Alongside many other religious and priests, he suffered persecution and violent death due to his unwavering faith and commitment to the Catholic Church.

For his courageous witness and ultimate sacrifice, Gregorio Álvarez Fernández was recognized as a martyr, and his cause for beatification was initiated. On 19 December 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared him venerable, acknowledging his martyrdom. Then, on 13 October 2013, Pope Francis beatified him, further affirming his holiness and giving him the title of "Blessed."

As a member of the De La Salle Brothers, Blessed Gregorio Álvarez Fernández represented the values of education, compassion, and service to the poor and marginalized. His life serves as an inspiration to all those committed to the mission of educating and uplifting those in need.

The feast day of Blessed Gregorio Álvarez Fernández is celebrated on 30 November each year, allowing the faithful to remember and honor his life, witness, and sacrifice.