Valentín Palencia Marquina and four fellow martyrs (†1937)

Biography

Spanish priest and educator of poor children, Valentín Palencia Marquina founded a board of trustees in Burgos that offered a home, school and vocational training. When the Civil War broke out, he continued to accompany his students and young collaborators. He was arrested along with Donato Rodríguez García, Germán García García, Zacarías Cuesta Campo and Emilio Huidobro Corrales, four laymen trained in his work. The five were murdered on January 15, 1937 for their Christian fidelity. His martyrdom crowned a life dedicated to giving a future and dignity to youth in need.