Blessed Bonifacio Rodríguez González

Biography

Blessed Bonifacio Rodríguez González, also known as José Cecilio, was a devoted member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, popularly known as the De La Salle Brothers. He was born on 14 May 1885 in Molina de Ubierna, a town in Burgos, Spain.

Growing up in a pious and humble family, Bonifacio was instilled with strong Christian values from an early age. He exhibited exceptional intellectual abilities and a sincere desire to serve God and his fellow human beings. These qualities led him to join the De La Salle Brothers, a religious congregation dedicated to providing Christian education to children and youth.

Throughout his religious life, Blessed Bonifacio Rodríguez González lived out the principles of faith, discipline, and compassionate service. As an educator, he imparted knowledge and nurtured the spiritual growth of his students, embodying the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Brothers.

However, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought immense suffering and persecution to the Catholic Church in Spain. Bonifacio found himself caught in the violent turmoil of the time. As a result of his unwavering commitment to his faith and refusal to renounce his religious beliefs, he became a target for persecution by anti-Catholic forces.

Tragically, on 13 September 1936, Blessed Bonifacio Rodríguez González was shot to death in Pozo de Cantavieja, located in Tahal, Almería, Spain. He bore witness to his faith with grace and courage until the very end, becoming a martyr for his unwavering commitment to Christ.

Blessed Bonifacio Rodríguez González is remembered and honored on several feast days. He is particularly commemorated on 8 September and 16 November as one of the Martyrs of Almeria, along with many other victims of the Spanish Civil War who were also martyred for their faith.

Though his cause for canonization has not yet progressed to the stages of being named venerable, beatified, or canonized, the life of Blessed Bonifacio Rodríguez González serves as an inspiration to all believers. His steadfast dedication to his religious vocation, even in the face of grave danger, exemplifies the profound courage and unwavering faith of the martyrs throughout history. May his memory continue to inspire us to live out our faith with conviction and selflessness.