Saint of the Day: Bl. Juan Otazua y Madariaga

Religious Priest and Martyr (1895-1937)

His life

+ Juan was born in Rigoitia, Spain, and entered the Order of the Most Holy Trinity (the Trinitarians) as a young man, professing religious vows in 1914. He was known in religious life as “Juan de Jesus y María.”

+ Following his ordination to the priesthood in 1921, he served in parish ministry and he was remembered for his musical abilities, especially for being an excellent cellist.

+ On March 13, 1936, the church were Juan was serving was burned by anti-Catholic forces in the Spanish Civil War. The Trinitarians were forced to flee and Juan was assigned to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cabeza in Cerro del Cabezo. However, on July 28, the friars were expelled from the shrine and Juan was able find refuge in Andújar.

+ In spring 1937, Father Juan was arrested by the Communist forces and tried for the crime of being a priest. Although he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, he was shot to death in the cemetery of Mancha Real, Jaén, on April 3, 1937.

+ Blessed Juan Otazua y Madariaga was beatified with other Trinitarian martyrs in 2007.

For prayer and reflection

“Hail to you, our King;

you alone are compassionate with our faults.”—Verse before the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week

Prayer

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that, though in our weakness we fail,

we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Collect for Monday of Holy Week)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.