Blessed Anselmo Polanco

Biography

Blessed Anselmo Polanco, also known as Anselmo Polanco Fontecha and Anselmo Polanco y Fontecha, was born on April 16, 1881, in Buenavista de Valdavia, Palencia, Spain. He was the son of a farmer and from a young age, he displayed a deep devotion to his faith.

At the age of 15, Anselmo joined the Augustinian Order at Valladolid, Spain in 1896. He pursued his studies at the monastery of Santa Maria of La Vid and was ordained a priest in 1904. Anselmo was known for his exceptional intelligence and love for theology, leading to his appointment as a theology teacher in a seminary.

In 1922, Anselmo became the prior of his monastery and later served as the provincial councilor of his Order in the Philippines, taking responsibility for missionary efforts. He further became the provincial-superior in 1932. During his time in the Philippines, he traveled extensively to places such as China, Colombia, Peru, and the United States, spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church.

On February 7, 1935, Anselmo was appointed as the Bishop of Teruel and also served as the Apostolic Administrator of Albarracin. He was highly regarded for his deep prayer life and unwavering commitment to the teachings of the Church.

During the tumultuous years of the Spanish Civil War, when the Republican Army overran Teruel in 1938, Bishop Polanco firmly stood by his flock and refused to cooperate with anything he perceived as being against Church interests. Consequently, he was imprisoned for a total of thirteen months, enduring hardship and persecution.

Tragically, Anselmo Polanco faced the ultimate sacrifice for his faith. During his imprisonment, he was used as a human shield by soldiers, and on February 7, 1939, he was martyred in the persecutions of the Spanish Civil War, being shot at "Can Tretze" of Pont de Molins, Gerona, Spain.

Following his death, Bishop Polanco's profound holiness and martyrdom were recognized. On July 2, 1994, Pope John Paul II issued a decree of martyrdom, officially venerating Anselmo Polanco as a Blessed. Then, on October 1, 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him, further acknowledging his exemplary life of faith and sacrifice.

Today, Blessed Anselmo Polanco is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church, his deep prayer life, and his commitment to serving his flock. His life stands as a testament to the power of faith and the willingness to lay down one's life for God's truth. Anselmo Polanco's remains are interred in the cathedral in Teruel, Spain, where he continues to inspire and intercede for the faithful.