Blessed Pere Valls Piernau

Biography

Blessed Pere Valls Piernau, also known as Teúgenes, was a devout Catholic Monk and a member of the Marist Brothers of the Schools. He was born on November 22, 1885, in the town of Vilamacolm, Girona, Spain. From an early age, Pere displayed exceptional piety and a strong calling to serve God.

Joining the Marist Brothers, Pere dedicated his life to the service of education and the formation of young minds. As a monk, he embraced a life of prayer, humility, and devotion to the teachings of the Catholic Church. His love for God and his fellow human beings shone through in everything he did.

During the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Pere Valls Piernau remained steadfast in his faith. Despite the dangers and the persecution faced by clergy and religious at that time, he courageously continued to fulfill his duties as a Marist Brother, teaching and mentoring students.

In August of 1936, the violence and hostility directed towards Catholics reached a boiling point. Blessed Pere Valls Piernau, alongside many of his fellow religious brothers and priests, became a target of religious persecution. On August 27, 1936, in the city of Málaga, Spain, he was martyred for his unwavering faith and commitment to his religious vocation.

Recognizing his exemplary life and martyrdom, Pope Francis venerated Blessed Pere Valls Piernau on June 3, 2013, issuing a decree of Martyrology. He was officially beatified by Pope Francis on October 13, 2013, further solidifying his status as a role model for Catholics around the world.

Blessed Pere Valls Piernau's life serves as an inspiration for all those who seek to follow Christ with sincerity and devotion. His unwavering faith, his dedication to education, and his ultimate sacrifice in the face of religious persecution make him a shining example of selflessness and courage. His memory lives on as the faithful commemorate his feast day on August 27th each year.