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Feast Day: February 17
Birth: May 9, 1861
Death: February 1, 17
Blessed Isabel Sánchez Romero, also known as Sister Asunción of Saint Joseph or Sister Ascensión de San José, was born on May 9, 1861, in Huéscar, Granada, Spain. At the age of 17, she made the decision to join the Dominicans and took the name Sister Ascensión de San José.
Throughout her religious life, Sister Ascensión was known for her obedience, silence, hard work, and humility. She dedicated herself to a life of prayer, service, and devotion to God and her community.
However, during the Spanish Civil War, Sister Ascensión faced immense challenges and persecution due to her unwavering faith. She was imprisoned and subjected to abuse at the hands of anti-Catholic Communist forces. Despite the hardships she endured, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her faith.
In a particularly cruel and heart-wrenching act, Sister Ascensión was ordered to renounce her faith and blaspheme. Her captors, perhaps finding it amusing to see a 76-year-old nun defying their demands, sought to break her spirit. Yet, Sister Ascensión refused to renounce her beliefs. Her loyalty to God remained unshakeable.
Tragically, Sister Ascensión, along with a group of fellow Christians, including her own nephew Florencio, was martyred for her faith. Although she was the last one killed, Sister Ascensión never ceased praying throughout the massacre. Witnessing her unwavering devotion, her captors chose a particularly brutal method for her execution. Instead of simply shooting her like the others, they beat her to death with a rock, crushing her skull.
Blessed Isabel Sánchez Romero's martyrdom exemplifies her indomitable faith and unwavering commitment to God even in the face of extreme suffering. Her refusal to let go of her beliefs, despite immense pressure, serves as an inspirational testament to her strength and courage.
Recognizing her sacrifice and her virtuous life, Pope Francis decreed her martyrdom on December 11, 2019. As a result, she is now venerated for her sanctity within the Catholic Church. Her feast day is celebrated on February 17th, commemorating the day she was martyred.
Blessed Isabel Sánchez Romero's life serves as a powerful reminder of the depths of faith and the courage it can inspire in the face of adversity. Her story continues to inspire and encourage believers to stay true to their convictions and remain faithful to God, even in the most challenging circumstances.