Blessed Manuel Solé Vallespì

Biography

Blessed Manuel Solé Vallespí, also known as Manuel Solé Vallespí, was born on 19 September 1913 in Fayón, Zaragoza, Spain. He was a member of the Claretians, a religious congregation within the Catholic Church. Manuel joined the Claretians on 12 October 1924, entering the seminary in Barcelona, Spain. After several years of dedicated formation and spiritual growth, he made his profession on 24 September 1929, committing himself to a life of religious service.

During the turbulent period of the Spanish Civil War, which erupted in 1936, Manuel Solé Vallespí remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to his community. Unfortunately, his unwavering devotion would lead to his martyrdom.

Tragically, Manuel was martyred on 18 October 1936, in Cervera, Lleida, Spain. Along with 108 other Claretian Martyrs from Spain, he sacrificed his life for his Christian beliefs in the face of intense persecution. After his death, Manuel Solé Vallespí's extraordinary faith and courage became widely recognized.

On 21 December 2016, Pope Francis established his veneration as a martyr by decree. This act of veneration acknowledged Manuel's heroic witness to his faith and his ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, on 21 October 2017, Pope Francis presided over the beatification ceremony of Manuel Solé Vallespí and the other 109 Spanish Claretian Martyrs at the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. The beatification, a significant step in the process of declaring them as Saints, was attended by numerous faithful and honored by the presence of Archbishop Angelo Amato.

The life and martyrdom of Blessed Manuel Solé Vallespí serve as an inspiration and a testimony to his unwavering commitment to his religious calling and his unyielding faith in the face of adversity. As a member of the Claretians and one of the Spanish Claretian Martyrs, his devotion and sacrifice continue to be remembered and celebrated on his feast days, observed on 18 October and 1 February.