Blessed Tobias Francisco Borrás Román

Biography

Blessed Tobias Francisco Borrás Román, also known as Francisco Borrás Romeu, Tobias Borrás Román, or Tobias Borrás Romeu, was born on April 14, 1861, in San Jorge, Castellón, Spain. At the age of 23, he entered into marriage in 1884. tragically, he became a widower when his wife succumbed to the cholera epidemic of 1885-1886.

In the midst of his grief, Brother Tobias felt a calling to dedicate his life to serving others through religious life. In 1887, he joined the religious order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of God. His kind and generous spirit, as well as his willingness to work tirelessly, quickly became evident to his superiors.

Brother Tobias served in various Hospitaller communities across Spain, including Ciempozuelos, Zaragoza, Carabanche Alto, and Granada. He demonstrated a deep commitment to his vocation, serving the sick and the poor with great compassion and dedication.

Unfortunately, the anti-Catholic persecutions of the Spanish Civil War affected Brother Tobias's life profoundly. He became a victim of these persecutions and was imprisoned first in Ciempozuelos and later transferred to San Antón in Madrid. Due to his age and declining health, he was eventually released.

After his release, Brother Tobias traveled to Valencia, Spain, with the intention of joining the Malvarrosa Hospitallers community. Tragically, he was unaware that the entire community had already been murdered. Unknowingly, Brother Tobias knocked on their door, where he was recognized by the militia as another Hospitaller. In a heartbreaking act of violence, he was shot down on February 11, 1937, at the Hospitaller community just outside Valencia.

The martyrdom of Brother Tobias touched the hearts of many, and his memory and sacrifice were venerated by the Catholic Church. On May 14, 1991, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, recognizing his heroic virtues. Later, on October 25, 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified Blessed Tobias Francisco Borrás Román, affirming his martyrdom and acknowledging his intercession and sanctity.

Blessed Tobias Francisco Borrás Román is commemorated on several feast days. His primary feast day is on February 11, the anniversary of his martyrdom. However, due to confusion over the date of his death in some beatification paperwork, he is also remembered on November 24. Furthermore, he is included in the list of the Martyred Hospitallers of Spain and is honored on July 30.

As a faithful servant of God, Blessed Tobias Francisco Borrás Román exemplified selflessness and devotion to those in need. His life serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the importance of serving others with love, even in the face of persecution and immense challenges.