Blessed Salvador Damián Enguix Garés

Biography

Blessed Salvador Damián Enguix Garés, born on September 29, 1862, in Alzira, Valencia, Spain, was a devoted Catholic layman and martyr. He was baptized into the Catholic faith at the tender age of one day and grew up in a strong Catholic environment.

Salvador pursued a career as a veterinarian, where he dedicated himself to caring for animals with compassion and love. Alongside his professional endeavors, he actively participated in Catholic Action, a lay apostolate organization that seeks to promote the Gospel and build a society based on Christian principles.

Married in the archdiocese of Valencia, Salvador and his wife were blessed with five children. Despite his busy family life and professional commitments, Salvador remained deeply committed to his faith and found solace in his devotion to the Eucharist.

Motivated by his unwavering love for Christ, Salvador took a leading role in organizing and supporting overnight Eucharistic adoration in Alzira, Spain. His dedication to this spiritual practice not only served to deepen his own faith but also inspired and encouraged countless others to embrace a closer relationship with God.

Tragically, the Spanish Civil War cast a dark shadow over Salvador's life. As unrest and violence escalated, his strong Catholic convictions led him to defend the values and principles of his faith. His unwavering stance caught the attention of those seeking to suppress religious expression.

Salvador faced persecution and imprisonment multiple times throughout the course of the war. Despite the immense suffering and hardship he endured, he remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to renounce his beliefs or compromise his commitment to Christ.

Finally, on October 27, 1936, in his hometown of Alzira, Valencia, Salvador Damián Enguix Garés was martyred for his Catholic faith. He became a hero of faith, a symbol of courage, and an example of unwavering dedication to the Gospel.

Recognizing his exceptional virtues and ultimate sacrifice, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Salvador as Blessed on March 11, 2001. This beatification, a declaration of his martyrdom, was a testament to Salvador's exemplary life and his unyielding commitment to Christ even in the face of immense adversity.

Blessed Salvador Damián Enguix Garés continues to inspire and intercede for all those who seek his intercession. His feast day is celebrated on October 27th, honoring his memory and inviting us to reflect on his courageous witness to the Catholic faith.