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Feast Day: December 27
Birth: December 26, 1914
Death: December 1, 27
Blessed José María Corbinferrer, also known as Giuseppe Maria Ferrer-Corbin, was a young layman born on 26 December 1914 in Valencia, Spain. He was a brilliant university student, specifically excelling in the field of chemistry. José María was known for his dedication to his studies and his strong Catholic faith.
As a devout Catholic, José María became a member of the Federation of Catholic Students, where he found companionship and support from like-minded individuals. However, his faith would soon be tested during a tumultuous period in Spanish history ‚Äì the Spanish Civil War.
On 28 August 1936, at the height of the civil war, José María was arrested for his unwavering commitment to his Catholic beliefs. He was imprisoned on a ship in the harbor of Santander, Spain, enduring difficult conditions and harsh treatment. Despite the challenges he faced, José María's faith remained unyielding.
During his imprisonment, José María was subjected to a show trial, where he was given a chance to renounce his faith in exchange for clemency. However, he bravely refused, choosing to remain steadfast in his commitment to God and the Catholic Church.
Sadly, on 27 December 1936, the day after his 22nd birthday, José María Corbinferrer was brutally shot aboard the prison ship Alfonso Pérez, anchored in the harbor of Santander, Cantabria, Spain. He died as a martyr for his Catholic faith, refusing to compromise his beliefs even in the face of death.
José María Corbinferrer was venerated on 18 December 2000 by Pope John Paul II, who recognized his martyrdom. A few months later, on 11 March 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging his heroic virtue and his witness to Christ in a time of persecution.
Today, Blessed José María Corbinferrer is honored and remembered as an exemplar of unwavering faith and courage. His feast day is celebrated on 27 December each year, the day he was tragically martyred. Through his life and death, he serves as a powerful inspiration for Catholics around the world, demonstrating the strength and importance of living out one's faith, even in the face of adversity.