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Feast Day: August 23
Birth: June 15, 1880
Death: August 1, 23
Blessed JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé, also known as Vi√ßenc of Besal√∫, was born on 15 June 1880 in Besal√∫, Girona, Spain. He was a devout Franciscan Capuchin friar who dedicated his life to the service of God and his fellow human beings.
On 8 December 1899, JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé entered the Capuchin Order and made his religious profession, committing himself to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. After several years of dedicated spiritual formation and study, he was ordained a priest on 28 March 1903, marking the beginning of his lifelong ministry.
Throughout his years as a priest, Father JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé tirelessly served the people entrusted to his care, offering spiritual guidance, administering the sacraments, and embodying the compassionate teachings of Jesus Christ. His gentle and compassionate nature made him beloved by his parishioners and all those who had the privilege of encountering him.
Tragically, Blessed JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé's life was cut short by the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, a period marked by intense political and social unrest in Spain. As a staunch defender of the Catholic faith and its principles, Father Vi√ßenc became a target of the Marxists who sought to suppress religious influence. On the evening of 23 August 1936, he was brutally murdered on the road outside Sant Aniol de Finestres, Girona, Spain, martyred for his unwavering commitment to his faith.
Following his death, Blessed JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé's heroic virtue and exemplary life of sacrifice and service became widely recognized. On 5 June 2015, Pope Francis declared him venerable, acknowledging his life of holiness. Later, on 21 November 2015, Pope Francis beatified Father Vi√ßenc during a solemn ceremony held at the cathedral of Santa Creu i Santa EulÖlia in Barcelona, Spain. The beatification ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, a testament to the significance of Blessed JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé's sanctity and martyrdom.
Today, Blessed JuliÖ Gibrat Marcé is celebrated and honored on his feast day, which falls on 23 August. His life serves as a powerful inspiration for all individuals seeking to live a life dedicated to God and the service of others. As a martyr who paid the ultimate price for his faith, he stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Catholic Church during times of persecution.