Blessed Pere Sitges Obiols

Biography

Blessed Pere Sitges Obiols, also known as Pere Sitges Obiols, was born on April 17, 1900, in La Cellera, Girona, Spain. He entered the Congregation of the Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly known as the Claretians, and made his religious profession on August 15, 1916. He then continued his studies and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1925.

Father Pere Sitges Obiols dedicated himself to the service of God and the Church, carrying out his pastoral duties with great devotion. He was known for his humility, compassionate heart, and profound faith.

Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, which broke out in 1936, Father Pere Sitges Obiols became a victim of religious persecution. On September 12, 1936, he was unjustly arrested in Sant Martí de Tous, Barcelona, and sentenced to death for his unwavering commitment to his faith. He was ultimately martyred, being shot for refusing to renounce his Catholic beliefs.

The Claretian Martyrs of Spain, including Blessed Pere Sitges Obiols, were part of a larger group of 109 members of the Claretian order who were martyred during the Spanish Civil War. Their feast day is celebrated on February 1st as a collective commemoration. In addition to this collective celebration, Blessed Pere Sitges Obiols is individually honored on September 12th.

The recognition of the martyrdom of Blessed Pere Sitges Obiols came on December 21, 2016, when Pope Francis officially declared him venerable. This decree acknowledges his heroism and sacrifice for the faith. Later, on October 21, 2017, Pope Francis beatified him during a solemn ceremony held at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. The beatification was presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, who represented the Holy See.

Blessed Pere Sitges Obiols stands as a shining example of courage and fidelity in the face of persecution. His unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the midst of great adversity, serves as an inspiration to all believers. As a martyr of the Spanish Civil War, he is remembered for his selflessness and devotion to the Gospel, exemplifying the true essence of a servant of God.