Blessed Salvador Ferrer Cardet

Biography

Blessed Salvador Ferrer Cardet, also known as Father Laureano María of Burriana, was a Catholic priest and member of the Capuchin Tertiary Fathers and Brothers of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was martyred during the Spanish Civil War, thus earning him the title of martyr within the Catholic Church.

Born on 13th August 1884 in Burriana, a town in the province of Castellón, Spain, Salvador Ferrer Cardet grew up in a devout Catholic family. His parents instilled in him a deep love for the Church and the faith, which eventually led him to pursue a life of service in the priesthood.

Salvador entered the Capuchin Tertiary Fathers and Brothers of Our Lady of Sorrows, a religious order known for its dedication to poverty, simplicity, and the care of the poor. He embraced the charism of the order wholeheartedly and exhibited great piety and humility throughout his religious life.

As a priest, Father Laureano María of Burriana devoted himself to preaching and pastoral ministry, seeking to bring the love and mercy of Christ to all he encountered. His compassionate nature and selfless service endeared him to the people he served, as he tirelessly worked to meet their spiritual needs and alleviate their material hardships.

However, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 marked a tragic turning point in Father Cardet's life. The religious persecution that accompanied the war targeted priests and religious individuals, who were viewed as threats to the ideologies of the warring factions.

On 16th September 1936, Father Cardet was arrested by Republican forces in Turís, a municipality in the province of Valencia. He was imprisoned, mistreated, and subjected to harsh conditions solely because of his Catholic faith. Undeterred, he bore the sufferings with great courage and unwavering faith, placing his trust in God until the end.

Father Cardet's martyrdom is a testament to his steadfast commitment to Christ and his Church. Recognizing his sacrifice, Pope John Paul II, on 18th December 2000, declared him venerable, signifying that he lived a life of heroic virtue. Further, on 11th March 2001, Pope John Paul II solemnly beatified Salvador Ferrer Cardet, officially recognizing him as a martyr of the Spanish Civil War.

Today, Blessed Salvador Ferrer Cardet serves as an inspiring example of faith, dedication, and resilience, reminding us of the many courageous men and women who have given their lives for the sake of Christ and the Catholic Church. His memory is honored on 16th September, the day of his martyrdom, as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made in the pursuit of truth and righteousness.