San Juan de Lycopolis

The Martyrs of Lleida, also known as the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance novices, were a group of friars and priests who were martyred together during the Spanish Civil War. Their names were Àngel Prat Hostench, Eliseo Maneus Besalduch, Gabriel Escoto Ruiz, Ginés Garre Egea, Joan Maria Puigmitjà Rubió, Joan Prat Colldecarrera, Josep Solé Rovira, Lluis Fontdecava Quiroga, Manuel Serrano Buj, Miquel Soler Sala, Pere Dorca Coromina, and Pere Ferrer Marín. These faithful men were all members of the Carmelite Order and were dedicated to living a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God and others. They were novices at the time of their martyrdom, meaning that they were still in the early stages of their religious formation. On July 29, 1936, in the Clot dels Aubens in Cervera, Lleida, Spain, the Martyrs of Lleida gave their lives for their faith. During the violent and tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, they were arrested and imprisoned due to their religious affiliation. Despite facing persecution and threats to their lives, they remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ and His Church. Ultimately, they were executed for refusing to renounce their Catholic faith and pledge loyalty to the opposing political forces. They embraced their martyrdom with courage and faith, serving as an example to all who witnessed their sacrifice. The heroic witness and martyrdom of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance novices did not go unnoticed. On June 26, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized their martyrdom with a decree, venerated them as true martyrs of the faith. This recognition paved the way for their beatification, which took place on October 28, 2007, also by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification ceremony honored their faithfulness and sacrifice and brought attention to their courageous witness during a time of great persecution. While the Martyrs of Lleida do not have a specific patronage designation, their lives and sacrifice continue to inspire countless individuals in their devotion to the Catholic faith, as well as their willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity. The feast day of the Martyrs of Lleida is celebrated on July 29th each year, commemorating the day they gave their lives in martyrdom. Faithful around the world honor their memory and seek their intercession in times of persecution and challenges to religious freedom.