Blessed María Del Carmen Viel Ferrando

Biography

Blessed María Del Carmen Viel Ferrando, born on 27 November 1893 in Sueca, Valencia, Spain, was a devout laywoman in the Archdiocese of Valencia. She was baptized just two days after her birth and received her First Communion on 24 April 1904 in her home parish of Saint Peter the Apostle.

María Del Carmen worked as a seamstress and had a passion for sociology. Her interest in social matters led her to work with young people, especially those who were employed. She cared deeply for their well-being and sought to improve their lives through her involvement with social causes.

In her commitment to the faith, María Del Carmen had a profound devotion to Eucharistic adoration and made regular communions. She found great solace and strength in praying the rosary daily. Inspired by her faith, she joined Catholic Action, an organization that aimed to promote active participation of the laity in the life of the Church and in society.

María Del Carmen's love for the youth and her desire to provide them with solid religious education led her to invite the Salesian Sisters to her region in 1931. The Salesians, known for their dedication to youth ministry, assisted María Del Carmen in imparting religious teachings to the young people in Valencia.

During the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, María Del Carmen's faith remained unwavering. Despite the dangers associated with openly practicing Catholicism during that time, she continued to live out her faith fearlessly and actively participated in Catholic Action.

Sadly, María Del Carmen Viel Ferrando was martyred on 5 November 1936 in El Saler, Valencia, Spain, during the Spanish Civil War. Her ultimate sacrifice for the faith and her unwavering dedication to the Church and the people she cared for have made her a revered figure in the Catholic Church.

Recognizing her martyrdom and exemplary life, Pope John Paul II proclaimed María Del Carmen Viel Ferrando as Blessed on 11 March 2001. Her beatification followed her recognition as having died for her faith as a martyr on 18 December 2000.

Blessed María Del Carmen Viel Ferrando's life serves as an inspiration to the faithful, especially in her dedication to the Eucharist, her commitment to the education and empowerment of young people, and her unwavering faith in the face of persecution. May her story continue to inspire and guide us in our own journeys of faith.