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Feast Day: July 20
Birth: October 27, 1884
Death: July 20, 1936
Blessed Vicente López Y López, also known as Virginio Pedro, was a devout Catholic who dedicated his life to the service of God as a professed religious in the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as De La Salle Brothers. He was born on 27 October 1884 in Miraveche, Burgos, Spain.
Vicente López Y López embraced a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience as a Brother, committing himself to the mission of providing quality education to children and young people. He was known for his exceptional teaching skills and his deep compassion for his students. Through his work, Vicente sought to uphold the principles of his religious order, following in the footsteps of their founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Tragically, Vicente López Y López became a victim of the Spanish Civil War, a turbulent period in Spain's history marked by intense conflict between different political factions. On 20 July 1936, in Almudena, Madrid, he was martyred for his unwavering faith and commitment to his religious beliefs.
His martyrdom was recognized by the Catholic Church, and on 19 December 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared Vicente López Y López as venerable. This recognition acknowledged his heroic virtue and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his faith. Later, on 13 October 2013, Pope Francis beatified him, elevating him to the rank of Blessed.
Blessed Vicente López Y López's feast day is celebrated on 20 July, the day of his martyrdom. On this day, the faithful honor his memory and seek his intercession for their own spiritual growth and the protection of educators.
His life serves as an inspiration for all who strive to emulate his unwavering devotion to God, his dedication to the education of young minds, and his steadfast commitment to his religious vows. Blessed Vicente López Y López stands as a testament to the power of faith and the courage to remain steadfast even in the face of persecution.