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Feast Day: January 10
Birth: May 11, 1826
Death: January 1, 10
Blessed Mamerto Esqui√∫ Y Medina, also known as Mamerto de la Ascensión Esqui√∫, was born on 11 May 1826 in San José de Piedra Blanca, Catamarca, Argentina. He was the son of Santiago Esqui√∫ and María de las Nieves Medina. From an early age, Mamerto felt a deep calling to religious life, and it was said that he would even wear a brown Franciscan habit as a child.
When he reached the appropriate age, Mamerto joined the Franciscan Observant Friars Minor and made his profession on 14 July 1842. He dedicated himself to his studies, and on 18 October 1848, he was ordained as a priest. Mamerto began his ministry as a teacher at his convent school, where he taught young children basic subjects and imparted knowledge of philosophy and theology to the older students.
Blessed Mamerto Esqui√∫ became known for his passionate preaching, particularly during a tumultuous period in Argentina's history. He fearlessly defended the newly established Argentinian constitution of 1853, which aimed to establish a democratic and constitutional government in the country. His eloquent and persuasive speeches in support of the constitution helped to consolidate its acceptance among the people.
Recognizing his dedication and spiritual leadership, Mamerto was chosen as the bishop of Córdoba, Argentina on 27 February 1880. He served in this role for the remaining two years of his life, diligently guiding and shepherding the faithful in his diocese.
On 10 January 1883, at 3pm, Blessed Mamerto Esqui√∫ passed away in El Suncho, Córdoba, Argentina, from natural causes. He was laid to rest in the cathedral of Córdoba, where his earthly remains found their final resting place. However, his heart was separately enshrined in an urn and venerated as a cherished relic at the Franciscan convent in Catamarca, Argentina.
Sadly, the heart of Blessed Mamerto Esqui√∫ was subjected to two separate thefts. The first occurred on 30 October 1990, when the heart was taken from its urn. It was found abandoned nearby on 7 November 1990, but no suspect was ever identified in the theft. Then, on 20 January 2008, the heart was stolen again by Gemain Jasani, who claimed to have thrown it into a trash can several blocks away from the convent. Jasani was charged with the theft, but the heart was never recovered.
Blessed Mamerto Esqui√∫ was recognized for his heroic virtues on 16 December 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. His beatification took place on 13 March 2021, celebrated by Pope Francis. This beatification ceremony was held in Catamarca, Argentina, the place where Mamerto's preaching had touched the lives of many. The beatification miracle attributed to him involved the inexplicable cure of a case of chronic osteomyelitis in the femur of a young girl. Despite doctors having planned to amputate the limb, the girl was miraculously healed.
Today, Blessed Mamerto Esqui√∫ Y Medina is venerated as a revered figure in the Catholic Church. His life and witness continue to inspire the faithful, particularly through his passionate defense of constitutional principles and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel message.