Blessed José Calasanz Marqués

Biography

Blessed José Calasanz Marqués, also known as Father José Calasanz Marqués, was born on November 23, 1872, in Azanuy, Huesca, Spain. He was a devoted Catholic priest and an influential figure within the Salesian community.

Father José Calasanz Marqués began his journey with the Salesians when he joined the order in 1890. After his ordination to the priesthood in 1895, he dedicated himself to the service of God and the Salesian mission.

For a decade, Father José served as the secretary to Blessed Felipe Rinaldi, another respected Salesian figure. This role allowed him to develop his administrative skills while learning from a revered mentor.

In 1916, Father José Calasanz Marqués was appointed as the leader of the Salesians in Camaguey, Cuba. His leadership skills and spiritual guidance proved invaluable in nurturing the religious community and ensuring the growth of the Salesian mission in the region.

Later on, he served as the Salesian Provincial for Bolivia and Peru, overseeing the religious activities and welfare of Salesians in these countries. His dedication and organizational abilities were recognized, leading to his appointment as the Salesian Provincial in Barcelona and Valencia, Spain, in 1925.

Father José Calasanz Marqués was not only known for his administrative talents but also for his role as a mentor and spiritual director. He nurtured and guided his fellow Salesians, helping them develop their spiritual lives and fulfill their vocations.

Tragically, the Spanish Civil War brought persecution and turmoil to the Catholic Church in Spain. In 1936, while conducting a retreat in Valencia, Father José was arrested. His devotion to the faith and unwavering commitment to his calling led to his immediate execution as a priest.

Father José Calasanz Marqués was martyred on July 29, 1936, in Puente de San José, Valencia, Spain. His execution was a result of the religious persecution that plagued the country during that time.

His courageous witness to the faith and commitment to the Salesian mission earned him recognition and veneration. On December 20, 1999, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, recognizing the sanctity of his life and his heroic death as a martyr for the Catholic faith.

Following this, on March 11, 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified Father José Calasanz Marqués, acknowledging his holiness and his significant contributions to the Salesian community and the Church as a whole.

As a blessed and a martyr, Blessed José Calasanz Marqués is honored with feast days on July 29 and September 22 alongside other Martyred Salesians of Valencia, Catalunya, and Aragón. His life continues to inspire and serve as an example of unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith and the Salesian mission.