Blessed Juan Segura Rubira

Biography

Blessed Juan Segura Rubira, also known as Father Juan Segura Rubira, was born on 21 September 1881 in Purchena, Almería, Spain. He came from a family deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, being the son of a school teacher and the nephew of a parish priest. His early exposure to the teachings of the Church influenced him greatly and set him on a path dedicated to God.

At the tender age of five days, Juan was baptized, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to his faith. As he grew older, he followed in the footsteps of his elders, excelling in his studies. In 1899, he graduated and began his career as a teacher, dedicating over two decades of his life to educating young minds.

However, a profound sense of vocation eventually led Juan to heed the call of the priesthood. At the age of 39, in 1921, he entered seminary to embark on his new journey. After completing his studies, he was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Almería on 10 June 1922.

Father Juan's zeal for education and his passion for shaping young lives led him to become the Director of the Ave María de la Dehesa de la Villa Schools in Madrid in 1923. He was known for his dedication to holistic education, instilling both intellectual knowledge and moral values in his students.

Sadly, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought immense suffering and persecution to the Catholic Church. Anti-Catholic forces targeted and attacked church schools, and priests were hunted down. Father Juan found himself in great danger and initially went into hiding to protect those who offered him shelter.

Realizing that his presence endangered those who supported him, Father Juan attempted to hide in the wild. However, his efforts were in vain, as he was quickly captured by the militia. Despite his desperate situation, he remained steadfast in his faith until the end.

On 26 August 1936, in the Cuestas de Belinchón region of Cuenca, Spain, Father Juan Segura Rubira was martyred for his unwavering commitment to Christ and the Church. His life was tragically cut short, but his example of courage and fidelity remains an inspiration to many.

Recognizing his sacrifice and his status as a martyr, Pope Francis declared Father Juan Segura Rubira venerable on 14 June 2016. Following this decree, he was beatified on 25 March 2017 in a solemn ceremony held in the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce, Almería, Spain. The beatification was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, representing the Pope.

Blessed Juan Segura Rubira's life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the resilience of individuals devoted to their calling, even in the face of cruel persecution. He stands as a shining example of selflessness and dedication, and his feast day is celebrated on 26 August.