Martyrs of Paterna

Biography

The Martyrs of Paterna, also known as the Blessed Carmen Rodríguez Banazal, Blessed Dolores Broseta Bonet, Blessed Estefanía Irisarri Irigaray, Blessed Isidora Izquierdo García, Blessed Josefa Laborra Goyeneche, and Blessed María Pilar Nalda Franco, were a group of dedicated women who gave their lives during the Spanish Civil War in pursuit of their faith and commitment to serving others. These blessed individuals were Five Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul nuns, a religious congregation that focuses on providing care and assistance to those in need. They dedicated their lives to helping the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, following the teachings of Saint Vincent de Paul. The exact details of their lives and individual biographies are not widely known. However, what is certain is their unwavering dedication to their vocation, providing care and support to those in their care. During the Spanish Civil War, which spanned from 1936 to 1939, Spain was torn apart by political and social unrest. Numerous religious individuals and institutions were targets of persecution, and the Martyrs of Paterna were no exception. On 9 December 1936, the Martyrs of Paterna met their martyrdom in Paterna, Valencia, Spain. Their selfless service and their unwavering faith made them targets for those seeking to eradicate religious influence and dismantle the Catholic Church's presence in Spain. Despite the risks, they refused to abandon their mission and continued to serve those in need, placing their lives on the line. Their courage and devotion were recognized by Pope Benedict XVI on 27 June 2011. He declared their martyrdom, signifying that the Martyrs of Paterna had willingly sacrificed their lives out of fidelity to their faith. This proclamation allowed for their beatification, which took place on 13 October 2013, by Pope Francis. While the Martyrs of Paterna do not have specific patronages attributed to them, their lives and martyrdom serve as an example of selflessness, dedication, and unwavering faith. They inspire others to remain steadfast in their beliefs and to continue to work for the betterment of society, even in the face of great challenges. The feast day of the Martyrs of Paterna is celebrated on 9 December, the day they were martyred, providing an opportunity for the faithful to remember and honor their sacrifice. Their lives remind us of the enduring power of faith and the profound impact that individuals can have when they dedicate themselves to serving others.