Blessed Tomás Campo Marín

Biography

Blessed Tomás Campo Marín, a Mercedarian priest, was born on January 23, 1879, in Mahamud, a town in Burgos, Spain. He dedicated his life to serving God and the Catholic Church, eventually becoming a revered figure in the religious community. Blessed Tomás Campo Marín's devotion and unwavering faith led him to make the ultimate sacrifice during the Spanish Civil War.

As a Mercedarian priest, Blessed Tomás Campo Marín followed the charism and ethos of his religious order, which was founded with the mission of redeeming captives. This order, officially known as the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, placed a strong emphasis on the redemption of Christian captives held in Muslim territories. They sought to fulfill this mission through the practice of ransom, spiritual guidance, and various charitable works.

During his years of service, Blessed Tomás Campo Marín tirelessly worked to uplift others by preaching the message of salvation and offering his spiritual guidance to those in need. His compassionate and selfless nature endeared him to many, earning him the respect and admiration of both his fellow clergy and the local community.

Tragically, in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, when deep divisions gripped the nation, Blessed Tomás Campo Marín became a victim of religious persecution. On August 20, 1936, in Lleida, Spain, he was martyred for his unwavering faith and commitment to his calling. Despite the turmoil and danger that surrounded him, Blessed Tomás Campo Marín displayed tremendous courage and steadfastness, refusing to renounce his beliefs even in the face of death.

Recognizing his sacrifice and the enduring impact he had on the faithful, Pope Benedict XVI declared him venerable on December 19, 2011, through a decree of martyrdom. Subsequently, on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis beatified Blessed Tomás Campo Marín, further affirming his sanctity and his significance within the Catholic Church.

Today, the faithful honor Blessed Tomás Campo Marín's memory and celebrate his life on his feast day, which occurs annually on August 20. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths to which individuals can go in their devotion to God and the resilience of faith in times of persecution. Blessed Tomás Campo Marín's legacy continues to inspire countless believers, captivating their hearts and leading them to emulate his unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith.