Salesian Priest and Martyr(1892-1938)
His life
+ Juli was born in Vilamaniscle, Girona, Spain, and entered the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1921.
+ Following his ordination to the priesthood in 1921, he taught philosophy, literature, and chant in Girona, and served as a spiritual director to his Salesian confreres.
+ Arrested by the anti-Catholic forces of the Spanish Civil War, he was later released and used the opportunity to help members of his religious community escape across the border, saving their lives.
+ Father Juli was rearrested because of his actions and was convicted of treason and espionage. He was executed on the morning of April 26, 1938.
+ Blessed Juli Junyer Padern was beatified with other martyrs of the Spanish Civil War in 2001.
For prayer and reflection
“Rejoice in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings. When his glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s spirit in its glory has come to rest on you.”—1 Peter 4:13-14
Prayer
O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church by adorning blessed Juli with the victory of martyrdom, graciously grant that, as he imitated the Lord’s Passion, so we may, by following in his footsteps, be worthy to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr During the Easter Season)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...