Martyrs of Puerta De Hierro

Biography

The Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro, also known as Estefanía Saldaña Mayoral, María Asunción Mayoral Peña, María Dolores Barroso Villaseñor, María Severina Díaz-Pardo Gauna, and Melchora Adoración Cortés Bueno, were a group of five nuns who belonged to the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in the Archdiocese of Madrid, Spain. They all met a tragic end during the Spanish Civil War, when they were martyred together. Estefanía Saldaña Mayoral, one of the martyrs, was born on 3 August 1897 in Catarroja, Valencia, Spain. She entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity on 12 August 1915. She dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and marginalized, following the example of Saint Vincent de Paul. Estefanía's commitment to her vocation led her to Puerta de Hierro, Aravaca, Madrid, where she ultimately embraced martyrdom on 12 August 1936. María Asunción Mayoral Peña, born on 26 April 1893 in Las Zomas, Valladolid, Spain, joined the Daughters of Charity on 14 September 1913. Recognized for her piety and compassion, she faithfully carried out her duties, attending to the needs of the less fortunate. Together with her sisters in faith, María Asunción faced persecution during the Spanish Civil War. She was martyred in Puerta de Hierro, Aravaca, Madrid on 12 August 1936. María Dolores Barroso Villaseñor, born on 19 March 1901 in Santa María de los Llanos, Cuenca, Spain, entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity on 5 May 1920. Deeply committed to Christ, María Dolores dedicated herself to serving others with love and humility. On 12 August 1936, she, along with her companions, embraced martyrdom in Puerta de Hierro, Aravaca, Madrid. María Severina Díaz-Pardo Gauna was born on 1 June 1903 in Lasarte, Gipuzkoa, Spain. She joined the Daughters of Charity on 9 September 1920. María Severina was a devout religious sister, committed to her mission of helping those in need. Tragically, she fell victim to the violence of the Spanish Civil War and was martyred in Puerta de Hierro, Aravaca, Madrid on 12 August 1936. Melchora Adoración Cortés Bueno, born on 10 November 1901 in Hinojosa de la Sierra, Salamanca, Spain, entered the Daughters of Charity on 18 September 1922. Throughout her religious life, Melchora demonstrated exemplary dedication, selflessness, and faith. Her unwavering commitment to serving the poor and suffering led her to Puerta de Hierro, Aravaca, Madrid, where she, along with her fellow martyrs, met a tragic end on 12 August 1936. These brave and faithful women, the Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro, were recognized for their ultimate sacrifice. They were beatified on 27 October 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI, affirming their martyrdom and their exemplary witness to the values of the Gospel. Their feast day is commemorated on 12 August, the day they received the crown of martyrdom. Although specific patronages have not been officially assigned to them, the Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro serve as inspirational models of faith, courage, and selflessness for all Catholics today. Their shared sacrifice reminds us of the importance of standing up for justice and the defense of human dignity, even in the face of persecution. May their intercession strengthen our devotion, inspire our service, and lead us closer to God.