Martyrs of Maspujols

Biography

The Martyrs of Maspujols, also known as Josep Mañé March, Magí Civit Roca, and Miquel Rué Gené, were three priests from the archdiocese of Tarragona, Spain. They were martyred together during the Spanish Civil War, a turbulent period in Spanish history marked by intense conflict and persecution. Josep Mañé March was born on September 4, 1881, in El Vendrell, Tarragona. He entered the seminary and was ordained as a priest on December 19, 1905. Known for his piety and dedication to his faith, he served as a pastor in several parishes within the archdiocese of Tarragona. Magí Civit Roca was born on November 20, 1884, in Vilaplana, Tarragona. He studied at the seminary and was ordained as a priest on December 17, 1910. He also worked as a pastor in various parishes and was known for his compassionate nature and strong faith. Miquel Rué Gené was born on May 28, 1891, in La Sénia, Tarragona. Like his fellow martyrs, he pursued his studies at the seminary and was ordained as a priest on May 21, 1916. He devoted himself to his pastoral duties and was greatly admired for his humility and dedication to serving others. During the Spanish Civil War, the anticlerical forces in Spain unleashed a wave of violence against the Catholic Church and its clergy. Churches were burned, religious icons destroyed, and priests were targeted for persecution. The three priests, Josep, Magí, and Miquel, were among those who faced persecution for their faith. On August 17, 1936, the priests were captured in the town of Maspujols, Tarragona. They were taken as prisoners, accused of being enemies of the Republic. Despite the difficult conditions and the threats they faced, they remained steadfast in their faith and refused to renounce their beliefs. On that fateful day, the priests were brutally executed, sacrificing their lives for their unwavering commitment to Christ. They died as martyrs, their blood shedding witness to their deep love for God and the Catholic Church. The martyrs' courage and martyrdom did not go unnoticed. They were recognized for their heroic virtues and were declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on June 28, 2012. Later, on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis beatified them, acknowledging their martyrdom and elevating them to the status of blessed. Their beatification ceremony was held in Tarragona, Spain, a significant tribute to their lives and sacrifice. Though they may not have a specific patronage assigned to them, they serve as a powerful inspiration for all those who face religious persecution and strive to live out their faith with unwavering dedication. The Martyrs of Maspujols continue to be venerated for their martyrdom and their examples of faith, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to God in the face of adversity. Their lives serve as a reminder of the great sacrifices made by countless individuals who suffered during the Spanish Civil War, and they stand as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the Church.