Blessed Rafael Machuca Juárez De Negrón

Biography

Blessed Rafael Machuca Juárez De Negrón, also known as Rafael Machuca, was born on 30 April 1881 in Estepa, Sevilla, Spain. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Sevilla on 18 December 1909 and later appointed as an assistant parish priest on 1 November 1912.

During the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, in July 1936, Blessed Rafael Machuca was arrested at the spa of Carratraca, where he had sought health treatment. Despite surviving several weeks in prison, his unwavering faith and commitment to his priestly duties ultimately led to his martyrdom.

On 31 August 1936, in Málaga, Spain, Blessed Rafael Machuca was martyred for his allegiance to the Catholic Church. His courageous refusal to renounce his faith and his subversive commitment to spreading the Gospel during a time of religious persecution demonstrated his deep piety and unwavering dedication to God.

Blessed Rafael Machuca Juárez De Negrón's feast day is celebrated on 31 August, the day of his martyrdom. He is venerated by the Catholic Church, and on 22 June 2023, Pope Francis proclaimed his martyrdom through a decree. Unfortunately, the specific details regarding his beatification are not provided in the given information.

As a man of faith and courage, Blessed Rafael Machuca serves as an inspiration to Catholics around the world. His life and martyrdom stand as a testimony to unwavering devotion, even in the face of persecution and adversity.