Blessed Joan Franquesa Costa

Biography

Blessed Joan Franquesa Costa, also known as the Apostle of Devotion to the Holy Family, was a revered figure in the Catholic Church. He was born on September 19, 1867, in Santa Fe, Lleida, Spain. Despite facing various challenges during his lifetime, Joan Franquesa dedicated himself to the service of God and the promotion of devotion to the Holy Family.

Growing up in a devout Catholic family, Joan Franquesa felt a deep calling to serve the Lord. He entered the priesthood and became a member of the Sons of the Holy Family, a religious congregation dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. With his ordination as a priest, he embarked on a journey of faith, using his talents as a poet and preacher to spread the message of devotion to the Holy Family.

Joan Franquesa was known for his eloquent sermons, delivered from the pulpit, which inspired and touched the hearts of many. Through his sermons, he emphasized the importance of imitating the Holy Family's virtues and fostering a strong familial bond. Additionally, he utilized the power of the written word, publishing articles and books that further promoted this devotion.

Not limited to the pulpit and the press, Joan Franquesa extended his mission to the confessional, where he guided individuals in their spiritual growth. He counseled and encouraged people to seek solace and inspiration from the Holy Family, emphasizing their role as a source of grace, strength, and love.

However, during the turbulent period of the Spanish Civil War, Joan Franquesa's commitment to his faith and his unwavering dedication to the Holy Family put him at great risk. He became one of the victims of the anti-Christian persecutions that swept through Spain during that time. On September 2, 1936, in Cervera, Lleida, he was martyred for his beliefs.

Following his martyrdom, Blessed Joan Franquesa Costa was buried in a common grave in Cervera, a humble resting place that did not diminish the profound impact he had on the faithful. Recognizing his commitment to the faith, Pope Benedict XVI declared Joan Franquesa venerable on May 10, 2012, through a decree of martyrdom. Later, on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis beatified him, further acknowledging his exemplary life and sacrifice.

Blessed Joan Franquesa Costa remains an inspiration to many, as his devotion to the Holy Family serves as a reminder of the importance of family, compassion, love, and faith. His life and martyrdom stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment of individuals to their beliefs, even in the face of persecution. Today, the faithful continue to honor him on his feast day, celebrated on September 2nd.