Blessed Francisco Carlés González

Biography

Blessed Francisco Carlés González, also known as Blessed Francisco de Requeijo, was born on 14 January 1894 in San Julián de Requeijo, Pontevedra, Spain. He was baptized on the same day of his birth. Francisco followed a vocation to become a Franciscan Friar Minor and entered the novitiate on 19 March 1909. After several years of spiritual formation, he made his solemn vows on 12 April 1913.

On 2 June 1917, Francisco was ordained as a priest in Cordoba, Spain. Following his ordination, he dedicated his life to serving in various holy sites in the Holy Lands. He spent time working in the sanctuaries of the Holy Sepulchre, Bethlehem, and Hain Karem, gaining a deep understanding and appreciation for the Christian heritage in those sacred places.

To further immerse himself in the culture and language of the region, Francisco pursued studies in Arabic while in Syria. In his ministry, he served as a co-adjustor in Knaje and Aleppo, both located in Syria. His dedication and leadership abilities were recognized, and he was appointed as the Superior of a Franciscan community in Er-Ram near Aleppo in 1928. In 1931, he became a parish priest near Jerusalem, where he continued to faithfully serve the local community.

In September 1934, Francisco returned to Spain, where he continued to live out his religious vocation. He dedicated himself to the education of young people and worked at the College of Chipiona in Cadiz in 1935. However, his service was tragically cut short due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

On 22 September 1936, at the dawn of that fateful day, Francisco Carlés González suffered martyrdom in Azuaga, Badajoz, Spain. He remained steadfast in his faith even in the face of persecution and violence. His willingness to lay down his life for his beliefs is a testament to his deep devotion to God and the Catholic Church.

Recognizing his martyrdom and exemplary life, Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree of martyrdom on 28 April 2006, officially acknowledging Francisco's virtuous sacrifice. On 28 October 2007, Pope Benedict XVI beatified him, further underscoring his exemplary Christian life and the inspiration he offers to believers.

Blessed Francisco Carlés González is remembered and celebrated on 22 September, as well as on 6 November, as one of the Martyred Friars Minor of Granada.