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Feast Day: September 8
Birth: April 18, 1867
Death: September 8, 1936
Blessed Apolonia Lizárraga Ochoa De Zabalegui, also known as Sister Apolonia of the Blessed Sacrament, was born on 18 April 1867 in Lezáun, Pamplona, Spain. She came from a devout family and was one of eleven children.
Inspired by her deep faith, Apolonia joined the Carmelite Sisters of Charity on 16 July 1886. She began her religious life by studying at the college in Madrid, Spain, where she received a solid academic education complemented by spiritual formation. After completing her studies, Apolonia embarked on a teaching career, serving at the college of Trujillo.
Throughout her religious journey, Sister Apolonia exhibited exceptional leadership abilities and a remarkable dedication to the mission of her order. As a result, she was entrusted with positions of greater responsibility within the community. She served as the Superior of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity in Villafranca de los Barros, Badajoz, and later in Seville, Spain.
In 1923, Apolonia's exceptional leadership qualities led to her election as the Superior-General of her Order. She faithfully carried out her duties for 13 years, during which the Order achieved significant growth by establishing 20 new communities. Additionally, Sister Apolonia worked diligently for the beatification of their founder, Saint Joaquina Vedruna Vidal de Mas, showing her commitment to preserving the rich spiritual heritage of the order.
Tragically, Apolonia's life was cut short in the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War. On 8 September 1936, she was martyred in Barcelona, Spain. Her body was dismembered, and the remains were callously thrown to pigs. Despite this brutal act, the relics of Blessed Apolonia were eventually recovered and interred in the crypt of the parish of Santa Inés.
The holiness and selflessness displayed by Sister Apolonia during her life did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her martyrdom, she was venerated on 22 June 2004 by Pope John Paul II, who declared her a martyr through a decree of martyrdom. Later, on 28 October 2007, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the honor of beatification upon her.
Today, Blessed Apolonia Lizárraga Ochoa De Zabalegui stands as an example of unwavering faith, dedicated service, and courageous witness in the face of persecution. Her life serves as an inspiration to all who strive to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the principles of their religious commitment.