Ninety five Catholics killed during Spanish Civil War declared martyrs

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On Monday Pope Francis recognized a total of 95 new Spanish martyrs who were killed because of their faith, during Spain's Civil War. He also gave the title of 'venerable' to four founders of religious congregations.

The group of martyrs include 66 Marist Brothers and two laymen, as well as 17 Benedictines, led by Abel Angel Palazuelos; a group of five Discalced Carmelites and a diocesan priest. A group of nuns and three Servants of Mary, who served as Ministers to the Sick were also named.

The Bishops Conference of Spain will hold a beatification celebration on 27 October.

In addition, the Pope has recognized the heroic virtues (one of the first steps twards being declared a saint) of four founders of religious congregations. They include Italian priest, Nicola Mazza, who founded the Institute for Education; Portuguese Bishop João de Oliveira Matos, founder of the 'Liga dos servos de Jesus'; Giulia Crostarosa, the Italian founder of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, and the Spanish Teresa of St Joseph, founder of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelite Sisters of St Joseph.

Source: VIS