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Feast Day: September 11
Birth: October 13, 1896
Death: September 1, 11
Blessed José María Segura Panadés was born on 13 October 1896 in Ontinyent, Valencia, Spain. From a young age, he exhibited a strong devotion to his Catholic faith and a calling to serve God as a priest. He pursued his studies at the seminary of Valencia, where he deepened his knowledge of theology and spirituality.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment and intellectual abilities, José María was ordained a priest in the archdiocese of Valencia on 12 June 1921. After his ordination, he served as a co-adjutor in Adzaneta de Albaida and later in Santa María de Onteniente. It was during this time that he began to make a profound impact on the lives of young people through his dedicated work in youth ministry.
Blessed José María Segura Panadés possessed a remarkable ability to connect with the youth, instilling in them a sense of faith, virtue, and purpose. Through his engaging personality, he inspired young people to live their lives in accordance with the Gospel teachings and to actively participate within the Church community.
Unfortunately, during the turbulent period of the Spanish Civil War, the anti-Catholic sentiment escalated, and priests became targets of persecution. Blessed José María Segura Panadés, solely for the crime of being a priest, was martyred for his unwavering dedication to his calling.
Tragically, on 11 September 1936, Blessed José María Segura Panadés was unjustly sentenced to death and executed by being shot in Genovés, Valencia, Spain. His martyrdom serves as a powerful testimony to his profound faith and unwavering commitment to the Church, even in the face of persecution and violence.
Recognizing the extraordinary sacrifice and witness of this faithful servant of God, Pope John Paul II declared José María Segura Panadés as venerable on 18 December 2000 through a decree of martyrdom. Then, on 11 March 2001, Pope John Paul II presided over the beatification ceremony, officially acknowledging him as Blessed José María Segura Panadés.
The life of Blessed José María Segura Panadés continues to inspire countless individuals, especially those involved in youth ministry. His unwavering dedication to his priestly vocation and his courageous witness in the midst of adversity remind us of the timeless message of the Gospel ‚Äì the importance of faith, love, and the pursuit of justice.
Blessed José María Segura Panadés is now honored annually on the feast day celebrated on 11 September, allowing the faithful to remember and seek his intercession. May his life and martyrdom continue to inspire and guide all those who strive to serve God and others faithfully in the modern world.