Blessed Juan Moya Collado

Biography

Blessed Juan Moya Collado, born on October 2, 1918, in Almería, Spain, was a devout layman in the diocese of Almería during the turbulent era of the Spanish Civil War. His unwavering faith and commitment to his Catholic beliefs ultimately led to his martyrdom in defense of his religious convictions.

Juan Moya Collado grew up in Almería, where he was raised in a deeply religious family. From a young age, he exhibited exceptional piety and a strong desire to serve God. Despite the challenging social and political environment of the time, Juan remained steadfast in his devotion to Catholicism.

As the Spanish Civil War erupted in 1936, Almería became a hotbed of violence and religious persecution. Anti-Catholic sentiments ran high, and members of the clergy and devout laypeople were targetted. Despite the risks involved, Juan continued to practice his faith openly, attending Mass regularly and engaging in acts of charity amidst the chaos surrounding him.

On May 31, 1938, tragedy struck when Juan was captured by Republican forces in the town of Turón, Granada. Recognizing his unwavering commitment to his faith, his captors subjected him to intense interrogation, hoping to force him to renounce his Catholic beliefs. Yet, Juan remained resolute and refused to abandon his devotion to God.

In the face of mounting pressure, Juan's captors decided to execute him for his refusal to renounce his faith. On that fateful day, May 31, 1938, he was martyred, sacrificially offering his life for the sake of his Catholic convictions. His courageous witness stands as a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication to his beliefs and his unwillingness to compromise his faith in the face of adversity.

Blessed Juan Moya Collado's bravery and martyrdom were eventually acknowledged by the Catholic Church. On June 14, 2016, Pope Francis declared him venerable, recognizing his heroic virtues. Later, on March 25, 2017, Pope Francis beatified him in a solemn ceremony held in the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce, Almería. The beatification Mass was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, who praised Juan's exemplary life and urged faithful to emulate his steadfastness in the face of persecution.

Today, the feast day of Blessed Juan Moya Collado is celebrated on May 31st, the day of his martyrdom. His beatification serves as a reminder of the countless individuals who bravely and sacrificially laid down their lives during the Spanish Civil War, standing firm in their fidelity to the Catholic faith. Blessed Juan Moya Collado's life continues to inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, no matter the challenges they may face.