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Feast Day: July 27
Birth: April 9, 1894
Death: July 27, 1936
Blessed Francesc Pujol Espinalt, also known as Brother Honest Maria, was a member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a religious congregation founded by Saint John Baptist de La Salle to provide education to poor children. He was born on 9 April 1894 in Sampedor, a town in Barcelona, Spain.
Francesc Pujol Espinalt dedicated his life to serving God and spreading the message of Jesus Christ through education. He joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools and took the religious name Brother Honest Maria. As a Christian Brother, he committed himself to the principles of poverty, chastity, and obedience to further his mission.
During the turbulent period of the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, Brother Honest Maria remained steadfast in his faith and continued to provide education and support to the most vulnerable in society. However, the religious persecution during this time made it increasingly dangerous for members of religious orders.
On 27 July 1936, in Sant Fruitós de Bages, Barcelona, Brother Honest Maria was martyred for his Catholic faith. He courageously stood up for his beliefs, even in the face of persecution and death. In recognition of his sacrifice, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 22 June 2004 with a decree of martyrdom.
Blessed Francesc Pujol Espinalt, also known as Brother Honest Maria, was beatified on 28 October 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. This significant recognition by the Catholic Church acknowledges his martyrdom and affirms his holiness and sanctity.
Brother Honest Maria's feast day is celebrated annually on 27 July, the day he was martyred. Believers and devotees honor his memory and seek his intercession for his courage, faith, and commitment to the Christian education of children.
Though specific details about the representations associated with Blessed Francesc Pujol Espinalt are not mentioned, it is important to note that representations of saints can vary. They might include symbols linked to their lives, such as objects, animals, or other visual or artistic elements that represent their virtues, martyrdom, or areas of patronage.