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Feast Day: August 16
Birth: October 8, 1858
Death: August 16, 1936
Blessed José María Sanchís Mompó, also known as Brother Gabriel María of Benifaió, was a dedicated member of the Capuchin Tertiary Fathers and Brothers of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was born on October 8, 1858, in Benifaió, Valencia, Spain. From an early age, José María displayed a deep devotion to his faith and a desire to serve God.
After discerning a vocation to the priesthood, José María joined the Capuchin Tertiary Fathers and Brothers of Our Lady of Sorrows, a religious order known for its commitment to prayer, poverty, and serving the needs of the poor and marginalized. He underwent rigorous spiritual and academic formation, preparing himself for a life of service to God and the Church.
Ordained as a priest, José María dedicated his ministry to bringing the message of God's love and redemption to his parishioners. He was known for his kind and compassionate nature, always willing to offer solace and guidance to those in need. His sermons were heartfelt, powerful, and deeply rooted in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
However, during the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War, the Catholic Church faced immense persecution. Priests and religious were targeted for their faith, and many lost their lives for refusing to renounce their beliefs. Tragically, Blessed José María Sanchís Mompó became one of those martyrs.
On August 16, 1936, in his hometown of Benifaió, Valencia, José María was arrested by anti-Catholic forces who sought to eradicate the influence of the Church. Despite the danger he faced, José María remained steadfast in his faith and refused to compromise his allegiance to God. He was brutally martyred for his Catholic devotion, joining the ranks of countless other religious martyrs of the Spanish Civil War.
It was only after his death that the true extent of José María's holiness and his unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith became evident. His reputation for sanctity spread throughout the local community, and numerous stories of his intercession and miracles began to circulate.
In recognition of his martyrdom for the sake of the faith, Pope John Paul II declared José María Sanchís Mompó as blessed on March 11, 2001. The pope acknowledged his heroic sacrifice and exemplary life of virtue, venerating him on December 18, 2000, through a decree of martyrdom. Blessed José María Sanchís Mompó's feast day is celebrated annually on August 16th, the day of his martyrdom, when Catholics commemorate his life and seek his intercession for their own spiritual journey.