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Feast Day: February 22
Birth: February 22, 1861
Death: February 1, 22
Blessed Miguel Facerías Garcés, born on February 22, 1861, in Perarrua, Huesca, Spain, was an esteemed member of the Claretians, also known as the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He entered the order and professed his religious vows on March 24, 1893, dedicating his life to the service of God and the Church.
During the turbulent period of the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Miguel Facerías Garcés courageously stood firm in his faith, representing the values and principles of the Claretian order. He fearlessly faced the intense persecution targeted at the Catholic Church during this time. He ultimately paid the ultimate price for his beliefs and commitment to his vocation, as he was martyred on February 22, 1937, when he was shot at Caseta de Alboquers, Barcelona, Spain.
Despite facing grave danger, Blessed Miguel never wavered in his faith and sought solace in his dedication to God and the people he served. His life stands as a testimony to his unwavering commitment to promoting justice, love, and reconciliation amidst the violent and chaotic circumstances of the Spanish Civil War.
The Claretians, an order founded by Saint Anthony Mary Claret, continue to draw inspiration from the life and martyrdom of Blessed Miguel Facerías Garcés. His sacrifice and courage serve as a reminder of the unwavering commitment to faith and service that is required of those who follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Blessed Miguel Facerías Garcés was officially venerated by Pope Francis on December 21, 2016, through a decree of martyrdom. Recognizing his martyrdom as a supreme act of faith, Pope Francis went on to beatify him on October 21, 2017, in a solemn ceremony held at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
This momentous occasion, presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, served as a celebration of Blessed Miguel's life, his sacrifice, and his enduring legacy. The beatification of Blessed Miguel Facerías Garcés serves as an inspiration and a call to all believers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to strive for holiness and sacrificial love.
It is through his beatification that Blessed Miguel becomes an intercessor and model for the faithful, providing encouragement and guidance in the pursuit of a life dedicated to God and the proclamation of His Kingdom. His feast day is celebrated on February 22, the day of his birth and also the day of his martyrdom, as well as on February 1, in commemoration of his inclusion among the 109 Spanish Claretian Martyrs.
The life of Blessed Miguel Facerías Garcés is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of faith to persevere through the most challenging of times. May his life continue to inspire and ignite the flame of devotion in the hearts of believers around the world.