Blessed Joan Busquet Llucia

Biography

Blessed Joan Busquet Llucia was born on January 13, 1868, in the town of Sta. Margarida de Montbuy, Vic, Barcelona, Spain. Coming from a devout Catholic family, he was drawn to religious life from an early age.

At the age of 16, Joan entered the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, popularly known as the Claretians. He professed his religious vows on March 25, 1884, committing himself to a life of holiness and service to God and his people.

Joan's exceptional dedication and piety stood out among his peers, and it became apparent that he possessed a strong vocation to the priesthood. After several years of intense theological training and preparation, he was ordained a priest on August 15, 1891. With his ordination, he dedicated himself even more fervently to ministering to the spiritual needs of the faithful.

Tragically, during the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War, a time of religious persecution in Spain, Blessed Joan Busquet Llucia became a martyr for his faith. On August 25, 1936, he was ruthlessly shot at the Campo de Marte in Lleida, Spain. His execution, along with countless others who shared his fate, was a result of his unwavering commitment to Catholicism and refusal to renounce his religious calling.

Blessed Joan Busquet Llucia is honored as one of the 109 Spanish Claretian Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith during that dark period in Spain's history. His feast day is celebrated on August 25, as well as on February 1, collectively commemorating the Spanish Claretian Martyrs.

The recognition of his martyrdom came on December 21, 2016, when Pope Francis declared him venerable. Subsequently, on October 21, 2017, Pope Francis beatified him at the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. The beatification ceremony, a testament to his saintly life and profound sacrifice, was presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato.

Although there is limited information available about the specific details of Blessed Joan Busquet Llucia's life and works, his martyrdom serves as a powerful inspiration for all those who strive to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity and persecution.