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Feast Day: August 23
Birth: February 26, 1893
Death: August 23, 1936
Blessed Julián Iglesias Bañuelos, also known as Cipriano José, was a devoted monk and a member of the Marist Brothers of the Schools. He was martyred during the Spanish Civil War, a period marked by intense religious persecution in Spain.
Julián Iglesias Bañuelos was born on February 26, 1893, in the small village of Los Valcárceres, located in the province of Burgos, Spain. From a young age, he exhibited a strong inclination towards a life of faith and devotion.
In pursuit of his religious calling, Julián joined the Marist Brothers of the Schools, a Catholic religious order dedicated to education. He embraced the monastic lifestyle and committed himself to the virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
During the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), when religious persecution was rampant, Brother Julián Iglesias Bañuelos faced immense hardships due to his unwavering faith. The war aimed to eradicate any influences and practices associated with Catholicism and other religious institutions.
Brother Julián's steadfast dedication to his faith led to his tragic martyrdom. On August 23, 1936, in the city of Toledo, Spain, he was executed for his refusal to renounce his religious beliefs. With tremendous courage and conviction, Brother Julián faced his persecutors with unwavering faith, ultimately sacrificing his life for his commitment to God.
Recognizing the exemplary life and heroic death of Brother Julián Iglesias Bañuelos, Pope Francis, on June 3, 2013, venerated him through a decree of martyrology. Later, on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis beatified him, officially declaring him Blessed Julián Iglesias Bañuelos and acknowledging his sanctity within the Catholic Church.
Blessed Julián Iglesias Bañuelos serves as a symbol of unwavering faith and dedication among the Marist Brothers and the wider Catholic community. His life and martyrdom inspire believers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, demonstrating the enduring power of faith even in the most challenging circumstances.