Blessed Juli Junyer Padern

Biography

Blessed Juli Junyer Padern, also known as Julius or Julio, was a Salesian priest who dedicated his life to the service of God and others. He made his profession in the Salesian religious order in 1912 and was later ordained as a priest in 1921. Throughout his ministry, Father Juli displayed a deep devotion to education and spirituality.

Father Juli was highly regarded for his intellectual abilities and served as a teacher of philosophy, literature, and Gregorian chant in Girona, Spain. He was not only passionate about transmitting knowledge to his students but also nurturing their spiritual growth. Father Juli additionally took on the role of a spiritual director for other Salesians, guiding them in their religious journey.

In 1938, during a period of intense persecution against the Catholic Church in Spain, Father Juli fell victim to the anti-Catholic forces of the time. Arrested by these hostile forces, he endured imprisonment but was eventually released. Despite the danger he had already experienced, Father Juli continued to demonstrate immense courage and selflessness.

Driven by his concern for the safety of others, Father Juli aided several fellow Salesians in their escape across the border. However, this act of compassion and assistance marked him as a traitor and spy in the eyes of the authorities. As a result, Father Juli was re-arrested and accused of treason and espionage.

On the morning of April 26, 1938, Father Juli Junyer Padern faced martyrdom. He was executed by being shot in the moat of Montjuic Castle in Barcelona, Spain. His unwavering faith, love for his fellow Salesians, and dedication to the Catholic Church in the face of adversity made him a true martyr of the Spanish Civil War.

Recognizing the holiness of Father Juli's life and his ultimate sacrifice, Pope John Paul II, on December 20, 1999, declared him venerable by decree of martyrdom. On March 11, 2001, Pope John Paul II further elevated Father Juli Junyer Padern to the rank of blessed, affirming his sanctity and his intercession as a powerful aid for the faithful.

Blessed Juli Junyer Padern's feast days are celebrated on April 26, the day of his martyrdom, and on September 22, as one of the Martyred Salesians of Valencia, Catalunya, and Aragón. Born on October 30, 1892, in Vilamaniscle, Girona, Spain, Father Juli's life and sacrifice continue to inspire Catholics worldwide, serving as a testament to the unwavering dedication and faithfulness to Christ exhibited by the martyrs of the Spanish Civil War.