Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó

Biography

Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó, also known as Bartolomeo della Passione, Bartomé de la Pasión, Bartomeu of the Passion, and José Olivé Vivó, was born on 14 September 1894 in Pla de Cabra, Tarragona, Spain. He was the son of Magí Olivé Rovira and Antonia Vivó Montagut. Sadly, Josep lost his father at a young age, and he grew up under the guidance of his mother.

As a child, Josep helped in running the family business, which primarily involved the production of wine, almonds, and hazelnuts. However, as he reached adulthood, a deep longing for a religious life started growing within him. Responding to this call, at the age of 25, Josep decided to leave behind the family business and joined the Discalced Carmelites at the convent in Tarragona.

On 25 November 1921, he made his religious profession and took on the name Bartolomeo della Passione. Assigned to the Carmelite community in Badalona, Catalonia, Spain, he dedicated himself to the requirements of religious life. Additionally, he worked as a bricklayer and contributed to the construction of the church and convent being built in the area.

Josep's unwavering commitment to his religious vocation led him to take on significant responsibilities within the Carmelite order. In 1928, he played a leading role in the founding of the Sanctuary of Santa Teresa del Niño Jes√∫s, which marked the establishment of the first Carmelite community in Lleida, Spain. Furthermore, he served as the secretary of the Carmelite magazine "Lluvia de Rosas," where he contributed to spreading the Carmelite spirituality.

Tragically, during the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó fell victim to the violent persecution faced by religious individuals. For the offense of being a Carmelite, he was martyred on 24 July 1936 in Almacelles, Lleida, Spain, by militia units. His unwavering faith and dedication to the Carmelites led to his ultimate sacrifice.

Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó was officially recognized for his martyrdom on 3 June 2013 by Pope Francis, who declared him venerable. Later, on 13 October 2013, Pope Francis beatified him in a solemn ceremony held at the Complex Educatiu in Tarragona, Spain. Cardinal Angelo Amato presided over the beatification, honoring Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó's life and sacrifice.

Throughout his life, Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó demonstrated a deep devotion to Carmelite spirituality and selfless service to his community. His beatification serves as an inspiration for all believers, as he exemplifies the virtue of faithfulness and the courage to endure persecution for the sake of one's religious convictions. Now, he is commemorated on 24 July each year, the feast day of Blessed Josep Olivé Vivó.