Spain holds a significant place in the history of religious martyrdom, with about 3,500 individuals already beatified due to the religious persecutions that occurred during the 20th century.
According to Father José Carlos Martín de la Hoz, a priest and expert on these matters, there’s potential for another 4,000 individuals to be beatified in the near future.
He recently shared this insight during the launch of the book “Hogares de amor y perdón II” in Madrid, published by the Enraizados en Cristo Association (Rooted in Christ).
The book features the heartfelt stories of 23 families whose members displayed remarkable dedication, even to the point of sacrificing their lives.
The Path to Beatification
Father Martín de la Hoz explained that a few months ago, at the request of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, a survey was conducted involving delegates from dioceses across Spain.
This effort resulted in a list of 4,000 candidates for beatification.
He mentioned, “When this work is finished, which we expect to conclude in four years, there will be 7,500 martyrs and blesseds honored on our altars.”
What stands out to him is the documented nature of these martyrs’ sacrifices; they died out of hatred for their faith, yet their stories are filled with acts of forgiveness.
The Church’s Commitment to Remembering Martyrs
In his presentation, Martín de la Hoz highlighted that the first dicastery established in Christianity was the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
This commitment to remembering martyrs dates back to the Acts of the Apostles, where the Church’s early decisions emphasized the importance of honoring those who suffered for their faith.
He noted that during the early days of Christianity, Mass was often celebrated at the graves of martyrs.
The Roots of 20th-Century Persecution
The conversation turned to the origins of the 20th-century religious persecution in Spain.
Martín de la Hoz traced it back to the Cortes of Cádiz in 1812, where the constitution began with a reference to the Holy Trinity but ultimately laid the groundwork for what became known as liberalism.
He explained that throughout the 19th century, different liberal factions alternated in power, but they shared a common thread: a violent persecution of the Church.
This hostility, reminiscent of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, permeated Spanish society and persisted until the time of the Second Republic (1931–1936).
The onset of the Spanish Civil War, according to Martín de la Hoz, was not a spontaneous event; it was the culmination of tensions that had been building for a century.
He stressed the importance of remembering these martyrs, as their stories can inspire efforts to rebuild a united society.
A Testament to Forgiveness
The book “Hogares de amor y perdón II” includes powerful testimonies of forgiveness.
One such account is from Luis García Chillón, who reflects on his uncle, Hermenegildo Chillón Cabrera, a martyr from Talavera de la Reina in Toledo.
At just 29, Hermenegildo was dismissed from his job by a mayor affiliated with the Popular Front.
In February 1936, he was brutally attacked by a group of men and left severely injured.
After spending 12 days in the hospital, he attempted to recover in Tarancón, Cuenca.
However, with the war igniting in July 1936, authorities sought him out, leading to his imprisonment at a convent. On August 22, he faced a summary trial by a so-called “people’s committee.”
Before his execution, Hermenegildo asked his captors to deliver his wallet to his mother, requesting them to “give her a hug and another one for yourself, so that you may forgive me if I failed you in any way.”
The Impact of Forgiveness
Luis believes that his uncle’s final words reflect a profound spirit of forgiveness, emphasizing the remarkable strength of character that Hermenegildo displayed.
Despite not knowing him personally, Luis feels that his uncle’s actions illustrate a powerful message of love and redemption.
He pointed out that within Hermenegildo’s family, there was never any talk of hatred or resentment.
Today, the relatives of these martyrs hold no desire for revenge or retribution.
“But we cannot allow them to be forgotten either,” Luis passionately stated.
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