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Feast Day: January 23
Birth: July 1, 1890
Death: January 23, 1937
Blessed Joan Font Taulat, also known as Brother Arnal Ciril, was a devout member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and a martyr of the Spanish Civil War. He was born on July 1, 1890, in Viladamat, Girona, Spain.
Little is known about the early life and childhood of Joan Font Taulat. As a young man, he felt a deep calling to serve God and dedicated his life to the Christian faith. He joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a religious order founded by Saint John Baptist de La Salle, which focused on the education of youth, especially the disadvantaged.
During the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War, many religious orders and individuals faced persecution due to their faith. Brother Arnal Ciril was one such individual who suffered for his unwavering commitment to Catholicism. On January 23, 1937, in the city of Lleida, Spain, he was martyred, losing his life for his refusal to renounce his religious beliefs.
The exact circumstances of Brother Arnal Ciril's martyrdom remain unclear, but it is believed that he faced severe persecution and likely died at the hands of anti-Catholic factions during the Spanish Civil War. His courageous stand for his faith made him a symbol of spiritual resilience and unwavering devotion.
Despite the limited information available, Brother Arnal Ciril's life and martyrdom have left a lasting impact. The Catholic Church recognized his sanctity and celebrated his veneration on June 28, 2012, when Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree of martyrdom. On October 13, 2013, Pope Francis beatified him, officially declaring him Blessed Joan Font Taulat. The beatification ceremony took place in Tarragona, Spain, amidst great reverence and devotion.
Blessed Joan Font Taulat's life serves as an inspiration for believers, a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the faithful throughout history, and the immense sacrifices made for the sake of the Gospel. Though specific details of his life may be scarce, his courageous witness and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.