Blessed José Ruiz Berruezo

Biography

Blessed José Ruiz Berruezo, also known as José of Almería, was a priest in the diocese of Almería, Spain. He was born on April 1, 1901, in Vera, a town located in the province of Almería. Growing up in a devout Catholic family, José felt a strong call to the priesthood from a young age.

After completing his studies, José was ordained a priest and began serving in the diocese of Almería. He was known for his love for the people and his dedication to his ministry. He worked tirelessly to bring the message of the Gospel to the faithful, providing spiritual guidance and support to those in need.

Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, when the country was torn apart by ideological divisions, Blessed José Ruiz Berruezo became a victim of religious persecution. On October 4, 1936, he was martyred at the banks of the Antas River in Garrucha, Almería. Despite the threat to his own life, José remained steadfast in his faith and refused to renounce his Catholic beliefs.

Recognizing his heroic virtue and the ultimate sacrifice he made, Pope Francis officially venerated Blessed José Ruiz Berruezo on June 14, 2016, through a decree of martyrdom. This was a significant step towards his beatification. On March 25, 2017, Pope Francis presided over the beatification ceremony, held at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce in Almería, Spain. The ceremony was attended by a multitude of faithful, with Cardinal Angelo Amato leading the celebration.

Blessed José Ruiz Berruezo remains a shining example of faith and courage in the face of adversity. His life serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the profound love and commitment Christians should demonstrate in their daily lives. As a Catholic martyr, he holds a special place among the faithful and continues to be venerated on his feast day, which is celebrated on October 4th each year.