Blessed Pedro Martret Y Molet

Biography

Blessed Pedro Martret Y Molet, also known as Pere Martret y Moles, was born on 5 July 1901 in La Seu d’Urgell, Alt Urgell, Lleida, Spain. He was the son of Biagio Martret and Teresa Moles. At the young age of eleven, Pedro entered the junior seminary of the diocese of Urgell, where he began his journey towards priesthood.

Pedro's dedication and commitment to his vocation led him to be ordained a priest on 6 June 1925. Following his ordination, he served as a coadjutor in several parishes across Spain, including Puigcerda, Organá, and Trem. He later became the treasurer of the church in Pobla di Segur in 1931.

Tragically, Pedro Martret's life was cut short during the Spanish Civil War, when religious persecution was prevalent. On 23 July 1936, he, along with Father Silvestro Arnau, was arrested due to their religious affiliation. Pedro endured several weeks of imprisonment before he was ultimately executed on 13 August 1936. The crime for which he was condemned was simply being a priest, a testament to the brutal intolerance witnessed during that time.

Despite the hardships he faced, Pedro Martret remained steadfast in his faith and dedicated his life to serving God and his community. His unwavering commitment to his calling and his courageous stance in the face of persecution make him an exemplary figure of faith and sacrifice.

Recognizing his noble virtues and martyrdom, Pope John Paul II declared Pedro Martret venerable on 19 April 2004. Further recognition came on 29 October 2005 when he was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification ceremony was held at Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy, and was presided over by Cardinal Saraiva Martins.

The feast day of Blessed Pedro Martret Y Molet is celebrated on 13 August each year, commemorating the day he was martyred. His life serves as a profound inspiration for all Catholics, reminding us of the courage and dedication required to live out our faith even in the most challenging circumstances.