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Feast Day: August 27
Death: August 27, 1936
Blessed María Brígida Toledano Oza, also known as María Brígida Toledano, was a laywoman in the diocese of Córdoba, Spain, who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. She was born in 1859 and dedicated her life to living a devout and faithful Catholic life.
María Brígida Toledano lived during a time of great religious and political turmoil in Spain. The Spanish Civil War, which took place from 1936 to 1939, was a conflict between the Republicans and the Nationalists. The war was marked by religious persecution, with many Catholics, including priests, religious, and laypeople, becoming targets of violence and martyrdom due to their faith.
As a faithful Catholic, María Brígida Toledano was deeply committed to her beliefs and was actively involved in her local community. She was known for her piety, generosity, and dedication to serving others. Despite the growing tensions and dangers surrounding her, she fearlessly practiced her faith and stood firm in her Christian values.
Tragically, María Brígida Toledano's commitment to her faith ultimately led to her martyrdom. On August 27, 1936, in Posadas, Córdoba, Spain, she was brutally killed for refusing to renounce her Catholic beliefs. Her courageous and unwavering stance in the face of persecution earned her the status of martyr.
María Brígida Toledano's martyrdom was officially recognized by Pope Francis on November 23, 2020, through a decree of martyrdom. This recognition was a testament to her faith and the ultimate sacrifice she made for her beliefs. Her beatification followed on October 16, 2021, also by Pope Francis, during a solemn ceremony held at the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Córdoba, Spain. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro presided over the beatification recognition, honoring María Brígida Toledano's holy life and martyrdom.
Blessed María Brígida Toledano Oza remains an inspiration and a symbol of faith, courage, and devotion to Catholics around the world. Her courageous testimony serves as a reminder to all believers to stand firm in their beliefs, even in the face of adversity. The Church continues to venerate her on her feast day, August 27, celebrating her life and martyrdom as a shining example of Christian virtue and dedication.