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Feast Day: August 27
Birth: February 5, 1902
Death: August 27, 1936
Blessed Juan Antonio Sal√∫tregui Iribarren, also known as Antonio of Jesus Mary, was a Trinitarian priest who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. He is honored as a blessed in the Catholic Church for his steadfast faith and commitment to his religious vocation.
Born on February 5, 1902, in Guernika y Leno, Vizcaya, Spain, Juan Antonio Sal√∫tregui Iribarren grew up in a devout Catholic family. From a young age, he showed a strong inclination towards the religious life, and his family supported his calling. He joined the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, commonly known as the Trinitarians, a religious order dedicated to the redemption of Christians held captive by non-Christians.
Sal√∫tregui Iribarren deepened his spiritual formation and pursued his studies at the Trinitarian seminary. His passion for spreading the message of God's love and his dedication to the order's mission were evident to all who knew him. He was ordained a priest and embraced his ministry with great zeal and devotion.
During the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War, which erupted in 1936, religious persecution and violence became rampant, primarily targeting Catholic clergy and religious. Blessed Juan Antonio Sal√∫tregui Iribarren found himself in the midst of this upheaval, determined to remain faithful to his vocation.
Despite the imminent danger and threats to his life, Sal√∫tregui Iribarren refused to abandon his pastoral duties or renounce his Catholic faith. He tirelessly ministered to the faithful, offering them solace, guidance, and the sacraments even in the face of grave danger. His unwavering courage, selflessness, and profound faith earned him the admiration and respect of many.
Tragically, on August 27, 1936, in Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Spain, Blessed Juan Antonio Sal√∫tregui Iribarren was captured by anti-Catholic forces. He was subjected to harsh persecution, torture, and eventually martyred for his refusal to deny Christ. Throughout his sufferings, he remained steadfast in his faith, offering forgiveness to his persecutors until the very end.
In recognition of his heroic virtue and martyrdom, Blessed Juan Antonio Sal√∫tregui Iribarren was venerated on June 28, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI, who issued a decree of martyrdom. His beatification took place on October 13, 2013, by Pope Francis, further affirming his sanctity and inspiring countless faithful with his witness to Christ.
Blessed Juan Antonio Sal√∫tregui Iribarren serves as a shining example of faith and courage in the face of persecution. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire Christians around the world, reminding us of the unwavering commitment we should have to our faith and the eternal truths of the Gospel.