Blessed Manuel Basulto Jiménez

Biography

Blessed Manuel Basulto Jiménez, also known as Manuel Basulto, was born on 17 May 1860 in Adanero, Ávila, Spain. He was the son of a miller and grew up in a devout Catholic family. Showing an early inclination towards the priesthood, Manuel joined the seminary in Avila, Spain in 1880.

After completing his studies, Manuel was ordained as a priest on 15 March 1893. He began his ministry as a parish priest in Narros del Puerto, Spain, where he dedicated himself to serving his flock and promoting the teachings of the Catholic Church. Recognized for his intellectual capabilities, Manuel also pursued further education, studying theology at the San Carlo Borromeo seminary and law at the University of Valladolid.

In addition to his pastoral work, Manuel's scholarly pursuits led him to teach at the seminary in Madrid, Spain. He shared his knowledge and spiritual guidance with the future generations of priests, shaping their understanding of Catholic theology and formation.

Manuel's dedication to his faith and his expertise in theology and law led to his appointment as the Canon of the cathedral of Leon, Spain. In this role, he contributed to the spiritual development of the local community and served as a beacon of faith.

Passionate about social justice and the well-being of the working class, Manuel assumed various leadership positions within Catholic organizations. He served as the Director of the Circle of Catholic Workers, the Association of the Apostleship of Prayer, and the Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul. Through these roles, he advocated for the rights and dignity of workers, supporting the formation of workers' unions and promoting Catholic Action.

Manuel's dedication and leadership did not go unnoticed, and on 3 September 1909, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Lugo, Spain. In this position, he continued his tireless efforts to support the formation of Catholic workers' unions and promote catechism for children and adults.

After almost a decade serving as the Bishop of Lugo, Manuel was transferred to the diocese of Jaén, Spain on 18 December 1919. He continued his pastoral work, emphasizing the importance of catechism and Catholic Action in the lives of the faithful. Throughout his time in Jaén, he fostered spiritual growth and helped establish a profound sense of Catholic identity among the local community.

Tragically, during the persecutions of the Spanish Civil War, Manuel was arrested for his unwavering faith on 2 August 1936. He bravely refused to renounce his Catholic beliefs despite the threat to his life. On 12 August 1936, he was martyred, shot on a prisoner transport train in Vallecas, Madrid, Spain.

Manuel's martyrdom and steadfast commitment to his faith made him a revered figure among the faithful. His selfless sacrifice in the face of persecution exemplifies the essence of Christian virtue and earned him the honor of being considered a martyr for the Catholic faith.

Recognizing his martyrdom, Pope Francis declared the venerability of Manuel Basulto Jiménez on 27 March 2013. Later, on 27 October 2013, Pope Francis beatified him, acknowledging his blessedness and commemorating his exemplary life. The beatification recognition ceremony took place in Tarragona, Spain, paying tribute to Manuel's unwavering devotion to Christ and his Church.

Blessed Manuel Basulto Jiménez's remains were laid to rest in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Asunción de la Virgen in Jaén, Spain. His feast day is celebrated annually on 12 August, honoring the day of his martyrdom and inviting the faithful to remember his courageous witness to the Catholic faith.