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Feast Day: November 23
Birth: July 25, 1910
Death: November 23, 1936
Blessed Jaume NÖjera Gherna, also known as Father Alexandre of Barcelona, was a Franciscan Capuchin friar who dedicated his life to serving God and his fellow human beings. Born on 25 July 1910 in Barcelona, Spain, he grew up in a devout Catholic family that instilled in him a deep faith and a desire to serve others.
At a young age, Blessed Jaume felt a calling to religious life and joined the Franciscan Capuchin Order. He professed his vows on 27 July 1931 and was ordained a priest on 11 March 1933. Throughout his brief but impactful ministry, Father Alexandre demonstrated great compassion, humility, and a commitment to promoting peace and justice.
Tragically, during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Father Alexandre became a target of persecution by Marxist forces. On 23 November 1936, he was martyred for his faith and was brutally murdered in the cemetery in Montcada, Barcelona. His life was taken from him at the young age of 26, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
However, the legacy of Blessed Jaume NÖjera Gherna lives on as a shining example of unwavering faith and selfless dedication. His martyrdom serves as a reminder of the sacrifices many individuals made during a time of intense religious and political conflict.
Recognizing his heroic virtue and martyrdom, Pope Francis declared him venerable on 5 June 2015. Just a few months later, on 21 November 2015, Pope Francis beatified him, marking a significant milestone in the process of his canonization. The beatification ceremony took place at the cathedral of Santa Creu i Santa EulÖlia in Barcelona, Spain, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.
Today, Blessed Jaume NÖjera Gherna is remembered and honored on his feast day, which falls on 23 November. His life serves as an inspiration for all, urging us to stand firm in our faith and to advocate for justice and peace, even in the face of adversity. As a martyr of the Spanish Civil War, he stands as a witness to the power of faith and the courage to live according to one's beliefs, regardless of the personal cost.