Blessed Manuel Sancho Aguilar

Biography

Blessed Manuel Sancho Aguilar, born on 16 January 1874 in Castellote, Teruel, Spain, was a Mercedarian priest who dedicated his life to serving God and his fellow human beings. He is known for his martyrdom during the Spanish Civil War.

From a young age, Manuel Sancho Aguilar felt a strong calling to the priesthood. He entered the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, commonly known as the Mercedarians, and was ordained a priest. Throughout his religious life, he embodied the principles of the order, which was founded with the aim of redeeming captives and working for the freedom and redemption of Christians in danger of losing their faith.

As a Mercedarian priest, Fr. Manuel Sancho Aguilar served in various capacities, living out the charism of his religious order. He dedicated himself to the spiritual nourishment of his community, assisting in the administration of the sacraments, and offering pastoral care to those in need. His compassionate nature and love for the marginalized and those suffering from physical and spiritual bondage earned him the respect and admiration of the people he served.

Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, which ravaged the country from 1936 to 1939, Fr. Manuel Sancho Aguilar became a victim of religious persecution. On 7 August 1936, in Muniesa, Teruel, Spain, he was martyred for his unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. Despite the dangers he faced, he refused to renounce his Catholic faith or abandon his religious vocation, remaining steadfast until the end.

In recognition of his sacrifice and courage, Fr. Manuel Sancho Aguilar was venerated by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 December 2011, who issued a decree of martyrdom. His beatification took place on 13 October 2013, under the pontificate of Pope Francis, affirming his status as a blessed in the Catholic Church.

Blessed Manuel Sancho Aguilar stands as an exemplary witness to the Christian faith, embodying selflessness, dedication, and heroic virtue. His life continues to inspire generations of faithful to embrace their faith in the face of adversity and persecution, as well as to serve others with unwavering love and compassion. The feast day of Blessed Manuel Sancho Aguilar is celebrated on 7 August each year, commemorating his martyrdom and inviting believers to reflect upon the sacrifices made for the sake of the Gospel.