Blessed Ramona Solans Ballester

Biography

Blessed Ramona Solans Ballester, also known as Sister Andrea, was a devout Catholic nun and a member of the Capuchin Sisters of the Mother of the Divine Shepherd. She was born on 3rd April 1875 in Lleida, Spain. From a young age, Ramona demonstrated a profound love for God and an unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith.

Entering the religious life, Sr. Andrea joined the Capuchin Sisters, a religious congregation that focused on serving the needs of the Church and the community. She embraced a life of prayer, self-sacrifice, and dedication to the care and education of children entrusted to her care.

Unfortunately, during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, religious persecution became rampant. In the midst of this severe persecution, Sr. Andrea's unwavering faith and commitment to her religious vocation stood strong.

Sadly, on 1st August 1936, Sister Andrea, along with many other Catholic religious and priests, became a victim of the brutal violence unleashed during the Spanish Civil War. She was martyred at L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, for refusing to renounce her faith. Her martyrdom stands as a testimony to her conviction and dedication to Christ, even in the face of oppression and death.

Sr. Andrea's life of holiness and her courageous witness to the Catholic faith did not go unnoticed. On 18th December 2017, Pope Francis declared her venerable, recognizing her heroic virtue and the significance of her martyrdom. A year later, on 10th November 2018, Pope Francis beatified Sr. Andrea, officially acknowledging her as Blessed Ramona Solans Ballester.

Today, Blessed Ramona Solans Ballester serves as a shining example of faith and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Her story inspires countless individuals to remain true to their religious beliefs and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, even in the most challenging circumstances.