Blessed Juan Soler García

Biography

Blessed Juan Soler García, born on 1 December 1904 in Chirivel, Almería, Spain, was the son of devout parents, Miguel and Catalina. At the tender age of two days, Juan was baptized, signaling the beginning of his journey in faith. His deep piety and strong calling to the priesthood manifested in his early years, leading him to study at the seminary of San Indalecio. After completing his studies, he took on the role of a teacher at the seminary for a period of nine years.

In 1926, Juan was appointed as the private secretary to Bishop Bernardo Martínez y Noval in the diocese of Almería. This close association with the bishop allowed him to further deepen his understanding of the Catholic faith and experience firsthand the challenges faced by the Church in the region. His unwavering commitment to his vocation was evident when he was ordained a priest on 2 June 1928.

As a newly ordained priest, Father Juan served as a parish priest, tending to the spiritual needs of his congregation. Despite his busy pastoral duties, he continued teaching and working closely with his bishop. His dedication to education extended even further as he took on the role of counselor for the Union of Catholic Women and also became the secretary of the Diocesan Board of Religious Education in 1936.

Tragically, during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Juan Soler García faced immense persecution for his faith. In August 1936, he fell victim to the hatred of Communist militiamen who targeted him solely because he was a priest. These misguided individuals saw his priestly vocation as an offense, leading to his martyrdom in Chirivel, Almería, on 23 August 1936.

Recognizing the heroic virtue and sacrificial life of Blessed Juan Soler García, Pope Francis declared his martyrdom on 14 June 2016. This declaration signified the official recognition of his willingness to lay down his life for Christ and the Church. On 25 March 2017, Pope Francis beatified him, acknowledging his beatitude and example of sanctity for the faithful. The beatification ceremony was held in the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce, Almería, Spain, and presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

Blessed Juan Soler García's life serves as an inspiration for all those who face persecution and adversity in their dedication to their faith. His unwavering commitment to Christ and his Church, even in the face of danger, resonates with the faithful. Today, the feast day of Blessed Juan Soler García is celebrated on 23 August, the day of his martyrdom, as the faithful honor his memory and seek his intercession.