Blessed Faustino Oteiza Segura

Biography

Blessed Faustino Oteiza Segura, also known as Faustino of Our Lady of Sorrows, was born on 14 February 1890 in Ayegui, Navarra, Spain. He was the son of Isidoro Oteiza and Angela Segura. Faustino was baptized just one day after his birth and grew up in a deeply religious family.

At a young age, Faustino showed great promise in his studies, and he attended the prestigious Piarist College of Estella in Spain. However, when he was 14, he suffered from a severe bout of pneumonia that was so grave that he was given the last rites. Miraculously, he managed to recover from this illness, which many attributed to his strong faith and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Inspired by his faith and a desire to serve God, Faustino entered the Piarist novitiate on 9 November 1905 at Peralta de la Sal, Spain. He dedicated himself to the religious life and made his solemn vows on 15 July 1912, committing his life fully to God and the Piarist community.

On 14 September 1913, Faustino was ordained a priest in Terrassa, Spain, and his commitment to his vocation led him to become a Novice Master at Peralta de la Sal. In addition to his responsibilities in the novitiate, he also served as a primary school teacher for several years, imparting knowledge and nurturing young minds with his profound faith.

Throughout his life, Blessed Faustino Oteiza Segura held a deep devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His devotion to the Holy Eucharist played a significant role in his ministry, and he was known for sharing the love of Christ with those around him.

Unfortunately, Blessed Faustino suffered from Parkinson's Disease, a debilitating condition that affects the nervous system. Despite the challenges posed by this illness, he never let it interfere with his work or his commitment to serving God and his community.

Tragically, the Spanish Civil War brought immense persecution to the Catholic Church, and on 23 July 1936, Faustino and his entire religious community were arrested. While in prison, he continued to demonstrate unwavering faith and maintained his spiritual strength. Faustino spent his time writing letters, all of which documented the resolute faith of himself and his fellow religious brothers, even in the face of persecution and impending martyrdom.

On the afternoon of 9 August 1936, Blessed Faustino Oteiza Segura was martyred in Azanuy, Huesca, Spain. He was shot and later his body was doused with gasoline and set on fire, a grim reminder of the cruelty and violence inflicted during that tragic time in history. His remains were buried in Azanuy, and his martyrdom is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith.

Recognizing the sanctity of his life and the ultimate sacrifice he made, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 15 December 1994, signifying that Faustino Oteiza Segura lived a life of heroic virtue. He was further beatified by Pope John Paul II on 1 October 1995, a commemoration of his fortitude and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Blessed Faustino Oteiza Segura serves as an inspiring example of a man who dedicated his life to God, serving others, and remaining faithful to his beliefs even in the midst of persecution. His life is a reminder of the power of faith and the courage it takes to stand firm in the face of adversity.