Blessed Lorenzo Ilarregui Goñi

Biography

Blessed Lorenzo Ilarregui Goñi, also known as Brother Gabriel of Aróstegui, was a Franciscan Capuchin monk who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. He is venerated as a Catholic Saint and his feast day is celebrated on the 23rd of August.

Blessed Lorenzo Ilarregui Goñi was born on the 10th of August, 1880, in Aróstegui, a small town in Pamplona, Spain. From a young age, he displayed a deep devotion to God and a calling to the religious life. Answering this calling, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and took the religious name Brother Gabriel.

As a Capuchin monk, Brother Gabriel dedicated his life to prayer, contemplation, and acts of service to others. He lived a life of simplicity and poverty, embracing the Franciscan charism of humility and charity. Guided by his faith and love for God, he sought to bring the message of God's love and mercy to all those he encountered.

Unfortunately, amidst the political turmoil and religious persecution of the Spanish Civil War, Brother Gabriel's faith and commitment to his vocation became a target for hostility. The war, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, saw the suppression of religious institutions and the persecution of clergy and religious. Brother Gabriel was one of those who faced martyrdom for his unwavering faith.

On the 23rd of August, 1936, in El Pardo, Madrid, Brother Gabriel was executed for his refusal to renounce his religious vows and abandon his faith. He embraced his martyrdom with courage and fortitude, offering his life as a witness to his deep love for Christ and his commitment to the Gospel.

The heroic virtue and sacrificial death of Brother Gabriel did not go unnoticed. On the 27th of March, 2013, Pope Francis recognized his martyrdom with a decree, thus opening the way for his beatification. On the 13th of October, 2013, Pope Francis beatified Blessed Lorenzo Ilarregui Goñi, declaring him blessed and elevating him to the altars.

Today, Blessed Lorenzo Ilarregui Goñi is remembered as a devoted and courageous servant of God, who gave his life in defense of his faith. His example of steadfastness and fidelity inspires countless individuals to deepen their relationship with God and to persevere in their own faith journey. May we continue to be encouraged by his intercession and strive to live lives rooted in faith, love, and service to others, just as Brother Gabriel did.