Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta

Biography

The Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta, also known as the Blessed María Teresa Ferragud Roig de Masiá and her four daughters, Blessed María Joaquina Masiá Ferragud, Blessed María Vicenta Masiá Ferragud, Blessed María Felicidad Masiá Ferragud, and Blessed Josefa Ramona Masiá Ferragud, were a group of martyrs who suffered during the Spanish Civil War. They were all nuns who were brutally martyred for their faith in Cruz Cubierta, Alzira, Valencia, Spain. Blessed María Teresa Ferragud Roig de Masiá, also known as Mother María Teresa, was born on May 20, 1867, in Alzira, Valencia, Spain. She was a devout Catholic and a mother to her daughters, whom she raised with strong religious values. Reflecting her deep faith, María Teresa personally encouraged all her daughters to pursue a religious vocation. Following in their mother's footsteps, her four daughters also grew up embracing a life of holiness and dedicated themselves to God through their religious calling. Blessed María Joaquina Masiá Ferragud was born on May 15, 1881, Blessed María Vicenta Masiá Ferragud on April 22, 1884, Blessed María Felicidad Masiá Ferragud on November 24, 1885, and Blessed Josefa Ramona Masiá Ferragud on July 3, 1891. María Joaquina joined the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, while María Vicenta and María Felicidad became members of the Augustinian Conceptionist Sisters. Josefa Ramona, on the other hand, joined the Sisters of Mercy, where she served as a nurse. During the Spanish Civil War, which took place from 1936 to 1939, the anti-Catholic sentiment was strong. The societal upheaval and persecution of Catholics resulted in the martyrdom of countless individuals, including religious men and women. The Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta were among those who suffered for their unwavering faith. On October 25, 1936, in Cruz Cubierta, Alzira, the sisters were seized by anti-Catholic forces due to their religious vocations. They were imprisoned and subjected to a harrowing ordeal. These courageous women, faithful till the end, bravely faced their martyrdom without renouncing their faith. Their sacrifice and witness to the Catholic faith have not been forgotten. On March 11, 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified the Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta, acknowledging their heroic virtue and their ultimate sacrifice for Christ and the Church. While there is no specific patronage associated with the Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta, they remain an inspiration to all believers, particularly mothers, daughters, and those in religious life. Their feast day is celebrated on October 25th each year, commemorating the day of their martyrdom and their heavenly reward. The Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta stand as a testament to unwavering faith, selfless devotion, and the willingness to give one's life for the sake of the Gospel. Their lives and martyrdom serve as an inspiration for Catholics worldwide, reminding them of the call to stand firm in their beliefs, even in the face of persecution.