Blessed Vicente Montserrat Millán

Biography

Blessed Vicente Montserrat Millán, also known as Unnamed 9, was a Catholic priest and martyr who gave his life during the Spanish Civil War. He was born on 6 January 1904 in Lorca, Murcia, Spain, the son of a merchant.

At a tender age of 4 days, Vicente was baptized, marking the beginning of his lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith. He showed an early calling to the priesthood, entering a minor seminary at the age of 10 and continuing his education at the San Indalecio seminary.

After years of preparation and study, Vicente was ordained as a priest in the diocese of Almería, Spain on 2 June 1928. He dedicated himself to serving his community and spreading the message of God's love and compassion.

Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, which ravaged Spain from 1936 to 1939, Vicente found himself caught in the midst of religious persecution and violence. On 1 August 1936, he was martyred for his unwavering faith and refusal to renounce his beliefs. Shot ten times and stabbed near the walls of the cemetery in La Almolda, Zaragoza, Vicente Montserrat Millán met a heroic and courageous end.

For many years, his memory and sacrifice were honored by the faithful who recognized his sanctity. Eventually, on 14 June 2016, Pope Francis decreed the martyrdom of Vicente Montserrat Millán, confirming his unwavering commitment to Christ and the Church. This declaration paved the way for his beatification.

On 25 March 2017, Pope Francis officially beatified Vicente Montserrat Millán in a solemn ceremony held at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce in Almería, Spain. The beatification was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, recognizing the martyr's exemplary life and his ultimate sacrifice.

Blessed Vicente Montserrat Millán now holds a place of honor within the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on 1 August, the anniversary of his martyrdom, as a reminder of his enduring faith and the ultimate price he paid for his devotion to God and his people.