Martyrs of Pozo De La Lagarta

The Martyrs of Pozo de la Lagarta, also known as the Pozo de la Lagarta Martyrs, were a group of eighteen priests who were martyred together during the Spanish Civil War. They were brutally slain on 31 August 1936 in Pozo de la Lagarta, Tabernas, Almeria, Spain. Among these martyrs was Blessed Agustín Sabater Paulo, Blessed Ángel Noguera Gallegos, Blessed Carmelo Coronel Jiménez, Blessed Domingo Campoy Calvano, Blessed Eduardo Romero Cortés, Blessed Enrique López Ruiz, Blessed Francisco de Haro Martínez, Blessed Francisco Roda Rodríguez, Blessed Gregorio Morales Membrives, Blessed Joaquín Berruezo Prieto, Blessed José Gómez Matarín, Blessed José Lara Garzón, Blessed José María Martínez Vizcaíno, Blessed Lisardo Carretero Fuentes, Blessed Miguel Morano Sáez, Blessed Pedro Antonio Almécija Morales, Blessed Pedro Martín Abad, and Blessed Segundo Arce Manjón. These priests displayed unwavering faith and dedication to their vocations in the face of intense persecution. As the Spanish Civil War raged on, they were targeted by anti-Catholic forces for their allegiance to the Catholic Church and their refusal to denounce their beliefs. Despite knowing the risks they faced, they remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith and their duty as priests. On 31 August 1936, they were taken by their captors to Pozo de la Lagarta, a desolate area in Tabernas. There, they were subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment before being viciously murdered. The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths are not extensively documented, but their martyrdom was a testimony to their unwavering devotion to their faith and their refusal to renounce their Catholic beliefs. These eighteen priests were recognized for their martyrdom and the ultimate sacrifice they made for their faith. On 14 June 2016, Pope Francis decreed their martyrdom, clearing the way for their beatification. They were collectively beatified together as the Martyrs of Pozo de la Lagarta. Their feast day is commemorated on 31 August. As of now, they are considered blessed within the Catholic Church and serve as an inspiration and intercessors for the faithful. Though their patronage may not be officially assigned, they can be invoked for their continued intercession and as a reminder of the strength and commitment displayed by these faithful priests during a time of great persecution.