FORTUNATO VELASCO TOBAR, CM, AND 13 COMPANIONS
We list here 14 martyrs who were victims of the fierce religious persecution that, in the mid-1930s, presumed to eliminate the Church of Spain. Their martyrdom, like that of other priests, sisters, brothers, and lay people, is a beautiful and exemplary page in the History of the Church and the Vincentian Family. They were beatified at Tarragona on 13 October 2013. Their liturgical memorial is on 6 November.
Father Fortunato Velasco Tobar was born in Tardajos (Burgos) on 1 June 1906. He pronounced the proper vows of the Institute on 19 September 1925.
Father Leoncio Pérez Nebreda was born on 18 March 1895 in Villarmentero (Burgos). He entered the Congregation of the Mission on 19 August 1911. He was ordained a priest on 10 August 1921.
Brother Luis Aguirre Bilbao was born in Munguía (Vizcaya) on 19 August 1914. He pronounced vows on 30 June 1933.
Father Antonio Carmaniu Mercader was born in Rialp (Lérida) on 17 April 1860. He was ordained a priest in 1881.
Father Ireneo Rodríguez González was born in Los Balbases (Burgos) on 10 February 1879. He pronounced the proper vows of the Institute on 3 June 1897. He was ordained a priest on 1 November 1903.
Father Gregorio Cermeño Barceló was born in Saragossa on 9 May 1874. He pronounced the proper vows of the Institute on 28 April 1894. He was ordained a priest on 8 September 1899.
Father Vicente Vilumbrales Fuente was born in Reinoso de Bureba (Burgos) on 5 April 1909. He pronounced the proper vows of the Institute on 27 September 1928. He was ordained a priest on 9 September 1934.
Brother Narciso Pascual Pascual was born in Sarreaus (Orense) on 11 August 1917. He pronounced the proper vows of the Institute, as a coadjutor Brother, on 27 November 1935.
Father Tomás Pallarés Ibáñez was born in Iglesuela del Cid (Teruel) on 6 March 1890, entered the Congregation on 8 September 1906, pronounced vows on 9 September 1908, and was ordained a priest in Madrid on 29 August 1915.
Brother Salustiano González Crespo was born on 1 May 1871 in Tapia de la Ribera (León), entered the Congregation on 28 October 1894, and pronounced vows on 29 October 1896.
Father Pelayo-José Granado Prieto was born in Santa María de los Llanos (Cuenca) on 30 July 1895, pronounced vows on 9 September 1916, and was ordained a priest on 25 May 1923.
Father Andrés Avelino Gutiérrez Moral was born in Salazar de Amaya (Burgos) on 12 November 1886, pronounced vows on 4 July 1905, and was ordained a priest in Limpias in October 1911.
Father Ricardo Atanes Castro was born in Cualedro (Orense) on 5 May 1875, pronounced vows on 3 August 1893, and was ordained a priest on 27 May 1899.
Father Amado García Sánchez was born in Moscardón (Teruel) on 29 April 1903, pronounced vows on 30 April 1921, and was ordained a priest on 2 May 1926.
A miracle attributed to their intercession must be presented for the canonization of these our Blessed.
Prayer to obtain the canonization of Blessed Fortunato Velasco Tobar, priest, Melchiora Adoration Cortés Bueno, virgin, and companions, martyrs:
O God, our Father, who made Blessed Fortunato, priest, and companions, martyrs, sustained by the Blessed Virgin Mary, imitators of Christ even to the shedding of blood, grant us also, by their example, to profess the faith by word and deed. Through their intercession, we beseech You, Lord, deign to show us the power of Your love, grant us the grace we beseech You … if it be according to Your holy will. We ask this with confidence and humility through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen!
