Conceptionist Martyrs of Madrid
Saint
Feast Day: November 8
Death: November 8, 1936
Biography
The Conceptionist Martyrs of Madrid were a group of ten courageous nuns who were martyred together during the Spanish Civil War. These devout women were known for their unwavering faith and commitment to their religious calling.
The ten Conceptionist nuns who were martyred are as follows:
1. Balbina Rodríguez Higuera
2. Basilia Diez Recio
3. Clotilde Campos Urdiales
4. Eust√°quia Monedero
5. Isabel Lacaba Andia
6. Juana Josefa Ochotorena Arniz
7. Manuela Prensa Cano
8. María de Las Nieves Rodríguez Higuera
9. Narcisa García Villa
10. Petra Peirós Benito
On November 8, 1936, in Madrid, Spain, these ten courageous women were brutally executed for their faith amidst the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War. They all displayed immense courage and steadfastness in the face of persecution and ultimately paid the ultimate price for their dedication to Christ and their religious community.
Their beatification process started under Pope Francis, who recognized their martyrdom on January 15, 2019. On June 1, 2019, Pope Francis presided over the beatification recognition ceremony at the Cathedral of La Almudena in Madrid, Spain. This momentous occasion was attended by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu and signified the official acknowledgment of their martyrdom and their entry into the ranks of the Blessed.
As Conceptionist nuns, these martyrs belonged to a religious congregation devoted to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Their order, the Conceptionist Order, was founded by Saint Beatriz da Silva in the 15th century.
Although specific details of their lives and individual contributions may be scarce, their collective witness is a testament to their unwavering faith, devotion, and martyrdom. As recognized by Pope Francis, the Conceptionist Martyrs of Madrid serve as an inspiration to all Catholics and people of faith to stand firm in the face of adversity and persecution.
On November 8, their feast day, the faithful commemorate their martyrdom and honor their sacrifice in defense of their faith. May their example continue to inspire us all to live courageously and faithfully, irrespective of the challenges we may encounter.