Saint Jaime Hilario Barbal

Biography

Saint Jaime Hilario Barbal, also known as Jakob Hilarius, Jaume Hilari, and Manuel Barbal Cosán, was born on January 2, 1898, in Enviny, Lerida, in the diocese of La Seu d'Urgell, located in northern Spain. He came from a pious and hardworking family, which instilled in him a deep sense of faith and dedication to God. At a young age, Jaime's strong spiritual inclination became evident, and he entered the seminary when he was only 12 years old. However, in his teenage years, he began to experience hearing loss, which eventually led to him leaving the seminary and returning home. Despite this setback, Jaime's desire to serve God persisted. When he was 19 years old, Jaime joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers, entering the novitiate on February 24, 1917, in Irun, Spain. He took the name Jaime Hilario, embracing his new vocation wholeheartedly. As a member of the De La Salle Brothers, Jaime excelled as an exceptional teacher and catechist. He firmly believed in the value of universal education, particularly for the underprivileged and those in need. However, as time went on, Jaime's hearing problems deteriorated further, forcing him to retire from his teaching duties in the early 1930s. Despite this, he found a new way to serve within the community by working in the garden at the LaSalle house in San Jose, Tarragona, Spain. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936 brought immense turmoil and persecution to religious individuals. Jaime, along with many other brothers, was imprisoned in Mollerosa, Spain. In December of the same year, he was transferred to Tarragona and later confined on a prison ship, enduring harsh conditions. On January 15, 1937, Jaime was unjustly convicted of being a Christian Brother. A firing squad was ordered to execute him, but astonishingly, two rounds of volley fire failed to kill him. It is believed that some of the soldiers intentionally shot wide. Frustrated by their failure, their commander ultimately murdered Jaime with five shots at close range. This brave act of martyrdom marked him as the first of the 97 LaSalle Brothers killed in Catalunia, Spain, during the Spanish Civil War and was later recognized officially by the Catholic Church. Jaime Hilario Barbal's sanctity and dedication to his faith were widely acknowledged. He was venerated on December 21, 1989, by Pope John Paul II, who decreed his martyrdom. Subsequently, on April 29, 1990, Pope John Paul II beatified Jaime in Rome, Italy. Finally, on November 21, 1999, Pope John Paul II canonized him, recognizing his holiness and his sacrifice for the Catholic faith. Today, Saint Jaime Hilario Barbal stands as an inspiration to all. His life testifies to his unwavering commitment to God's work, his selfless love for others, and his endurance in the face of persecution. Although his representation remains undefined, Saint Jaime's feast days are celebrated on July 28 and January 18 on some calendars. His canonization serves as a reminder to Catholics worldwide of the importance of faith and the willingness to lay down one's life for their beliefs.