Blessed Herminio García Pampliega

Biography

Blessed Herminio García Pampliega, also known as Father Eugenio, was a Trappist priest who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. He is venerated by the Catholic Church and was beatified by Pope Francis on October 3, 2015.

Herminio García Pampliega was born on November 23, 1902, in Villagonzalo Pedernales, Burgos, Spain. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and displayed a deep spirituality from a young age. Recognizing his calling, Herminio entered the Trappist monastery of La Oliva when he was just 15 years old. He was known for his strong faith, humility, and deep love for God.

After completing his studies and formation, Herminio was ordained a priest on March 19, 1927. He took the religious name Eugenio upon entering the Trappist Order. Father Eugenio dedicated himself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and work as a monk, following the rigorous monastic rule of the Trappists.

However, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought significant upheaval and persecution to the Catholic Church in Spain. The monastery where Father Eugenio resided became a target for the anti-Catholic forces. Despite the danger, he chose to remain with his fellow monks, providing spiritual support and offering the sacraments to those in need.

On September 21, 1936, Father Eugenio and several of his fellow Trappist monks were captured by soldiers and brought to the Cuesta de las Anguilas in Santander, Cantabria. There, they were brutally martyred for their faith. Father Eugenio embraced his fate with unwavering courage and remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ until his last breath.

The heroic witness and martyrdom of Father Eugenio did not go unnoticed. His holy life and ultimate sacrifice inspired countless people and led to his eventual recognition by the Catholic Church. On 22 January 2015, Pope Francis approved the decree of martyrdom for Father Eugenio, acknowledging his fidelity to Christ even in the face of persecution and death.

Nearly a year later, on October 3, 2015, Pope Francis presided over the beatification ceremony of Blessed Herminio García Pampliega in the cathedral of Santander, Spain. Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, was the principal celebrant of the ceremony. The beatification of Father Eugenio serves as a testament to his holiness and his status as a role model for all Catholics.

Today, Blessed Herminio García Pampliega is remembered as a faithful and courageous priest, a martyr who gave his life for the sake of the Gospel. His memory continues to inspire and encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity. The feast day of Blessed Herminio García Pampliega is celebrated on September 21 each year, in commemoration of his martyrdom.