On September 22nd, we celebrate the feast day of two remarkable individuals whose lives were marked by unwavering faith and extraordinary courage—Blessed Joseph Calasanz Marqués and Enrico Saiz Aparicio. Their stories, intertwined with the turbulent backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, serve as a timeless tribute to the enduring power of faith and sacrifice.
The Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 was a tumultuous period characterized by passionate ideological conflicts. It was a time when the Catholic Church in Spain endured relentless persecution at the hands of anarchist militias. Thousands of priests, religious men and women, and devoted laypeople paid the ultimate price for their steadfast devotion to Christ. Among these martyrs were 95 members of the Salesian Family, who exemplified the essence of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
Blessed Joseph Calasanz Marqués, born in Azanuy in 1872, embarked on a remarkable journey as a Salesian. His encounter with the ailing Don Bosco in 1886 left an indelible mark on his heart, igniting his vocation. In 1890, he formally joined the Salesians and was ordained as a priest five years later. His leadership qualities shone brightly as he served as Fr. Philip Rinaldi’s secretary during his provincialate in Spain and later assumed the role of provincial in the Peru-Bolivia region. Upon his return to Spain, he became the superior of the Barcelona-Valencia Province.
Fr. Joseph Calasanz was known not only for his great-heartedness but also for his unwavering commitment to the mission of the Salesian Family. His concern for the spiritual well-being of his fellow Salesians was evident in his actions. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was captured by militias while presiding over the annual retreat in Valencia. On July 29, 1936, he was executed with a single gunshot to the head, becoming a beacon of faith in a time of darkness.
Fr. Joseph Calasanz’s courageous example was followed by 15 priests, seven coadjutors, six clerics, one lay co-worker, and two Salesian sisters, including Sr. Maria Carmen Moreno. Her unwavering faith and courage, fueled by the prophetic words of Blessed Eusebia Palomino, FMA, who had foreseen her martyrdom.
Fr. Enrico Saiz Aparicio, another hero of faith, served as the director of the Salesian aspirantate at Carabanchel Alto on the outskirts of Madrid. When hostile militias stormed the school on October 2, 1936, Fr. Saiz’s immediate concern was the safety of the young boys in his care. He courageously declared, “If you want blood, here I am. But don’t hurt the boys.” His selflessness led to the release of the youths, while Fr. Saiz and eight other Salesians were taken and martyred.
Fr. Saiz’s unwavering faith and readiness to sacrifice himself for the young men under his guidance were exemplified in his words shortly before his death: “What’s better than to die for the glory of God?” His final breath was offered in prayer for the souls of the young students entrusted to his care.
The roster of martyrs from Madrid who followed Fr. Saiz’s path included nine priests, 14 clerics, 14 coadjutors, three aspirants, and one layman. From Seville, 12 priests, one subdeacon, four coadjutors, and three Cooperators (two men and one woman) also met their martyrdom.
As we commemorate the feast day of Blessed Joseph Calasanz Marqués and Enrico Saiz Aparicio, we are reminded of their unwavering faith, courage, and sacrifice. Their stories continue to inspire us to stand firm in our beliefs, even in the face of adversity, and to remember the power of faith to overcome the most challenging of times.
These martyrs are not only a testament to the strength of their convictions but also a beacon of hope and a reminder that faith can shine brightest in the darkest hours. On September 22nd, let us honor their memory and strive to emulate their enduring faith and commitment to Christ. Blessed Joseph Calasanz Marqués and Enrico Saiz Aparicio, pray for us.