Blessed Tomás Morales Y Morales

Biography

Blessed Fernando Grund Jiménez, also known as Fernando Grund or Father Fernando Grund, was born on 14 February 1907 in Málaga, Spain. He was a devout Catholic who dedicated his life to the service of God and the Church.

Fernando received his education at the Jesuit School of the Sacred Heart, where he cultivated a strong passion for learning and a deep commitment to his faith. Following his time at the Jesuit School, Fernando decided to join the Dominican Order, a religious community renowned for its commitment to preaching and promoting the Gospel.

After completing his studies and discerning his vocation, Fernando Grund was ordained a priest in 1931. He was imbued with a strong desire to bring the message of Christ to all people, particularly those living in marginalized and working-class communities. With this mission in mind, he was assigned to an area in Almería, Spain, characterized by its working-class population.

Unfortunately, in 1936, the Spanish Civil War erupted, which brought about a wave of anti-Catholic sentiment. As a result, Fernando Grund and another Dominican priest named Blessed Tomás Morales y Morales were forced to flee their residence due to the threat posed by the Communist militia. Despite their efforts to escape persecution, the pair was intercepted on the road and subsequently imprisoned.

Fernando and Tomás were held captive on the ship Astoy Mendi for several weeks, enduring the harsh conditions and mistreatment inflicted by their captors. Their unwavering faith and steadfast commitment to their beliefs became evident as they faced this challenging period with resilience and spiritual fortitude.

Regrettably, the ordeal faced by Blessed Fernando Grund and Blessed Tomás Morales y Morales did not end on the ship. On the night of 31 August 1936, they were taken to Pozo de La Lagarta, an area in Tabernas, Almería, where they were unjustly executed. Their martyrdom was a testament to their unwavering faith and dedication to the Catholic Church, even in the face of adversity and persecution.

Recognizing their sacrifice and the sanctity of their lives, Pope Francis declared Fernando Grund and Tomás Morales as blessed, signifying that they are worthy of veneration and intercession. On 11 December 2019, Pope Francis decreed their martyrdom, affirming their heroic virtue and dedication to the faith. Subsequently, on a later date in 2022, Pope Francis further bestowed the honor of beatification upon Blessed Fernando Grund, acknowledging his elevated status as a blessed in the Catholic Church.

Blessed Fernando Grund Jiménez serves as a profound example of faithfulness and devotion to God's mission. His life, characterized by his commitment to preaching and promoting the Gospel and his ultimate sacrifice during a time of great turmoil in Spain, continues to inspire and resonate with Catholics around the world. Believers now commemorate and celebrate his feast day on 31 August, remembering his martyrdom and seeking his intercession in their own spiritual journeys.