Mateo Casals, Teófilo Casajús, Fernando Saperas and 106 fellow Claretian martyrs (†1936–1937)

Biography

These 109 members of the Claretian family – priests, brothers and students – belonged to various Spanish communities and were murdered during the religious persecution of 1936 and 1937. Mateo Casals, Teófilo Casajús and Fernando Saperas lead the group. Although their ages and ministries were different, they all remained faithful to Christ and his consecration when they were required to renounce the faith. Many faced death praying and forgiving, convinced that martyrdom consummated the dedication begun in baptism.