On November 6, the Catholic Church in Spain commemorates the martyrs who gave their lives during the religious persecution of the 20th century. This day honors the thousands of people who, amidst the violence of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), remained steadfast in their faith to the very end, bearing witness to the Gospel even in martyrdom.

The Spanish Civil War was not only a political conflict but also a period of intense religious persecution. During those years, the Catholic Church became the target of systematic attacks, resulting in the destruction of churches, convents, and monasteries, and the deaths of thousands of religious individuals, priests, and laypeople. It is estimated that around 7,000 clergy members were killed throughout Spain. The Church has recognized many of them as martyrs, given that they died forgiving their executioners and holding firm to their Christian faith.

Among the martyrs of this persecution, the Vincentian Family, inspired by the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, also suffered significant losses. Congregations such as the Vincentian Missionaries (known as the Congregation of the Mission), the Daughters of Charity, and other organizations connected to the Vincentian legacy saw many of their members give their lives for their faith.

Religious Persecution in the Context of the Spanish Civil War

The religious persecution during the Spanish Civil War was not limited to the battlefronts. From the early days of the conflict, violence extended to those who represented the Catholic faith. Priests, nuns, and laypeople committed to the Church were targeted for executions, kidnappings, and torture. Many churches and convents were burned or confiscated, and religious people were forced to hide or abandon their communities.

However, in the midst of this violence, many religious and laypeople remained firm in their commitment to the Gospel. Their testimony of faith, which often included forgiving those who martyred them, has served as an example for future generations. November 6 is a day to remember and celebrate those who, with courage, chose to die rather than renounce their faith.

The Martyrs of the Vincentian Family

In the context of religious persecution, the Vincentian Family also suffered great losses. This spiritual family, inspired by St. Vincent de Paul and dedicated to serving the poor, has been a foundational pillar of the Church in Spain for centuries. Members of the different branches of the Vincentian Family, such as the Vincentian Missionaries and the Daughters of Charity, were particularly vulnerable due to their work in marginalized communities and their public visibility as servants of the most needy.

Martyrs members of the Congregation of the Mission

The missionaries of the Congregation of the Mission, founded by St. Vincent de Paul, were especially persecuted. These priests and brothers dedicated to pastoral and missionary service were targeted for their commitment to evangelization and care for the poor. It is known that at least 32 members of the Congregation of the Mission were martyred during this period.

Martyrs of the Daughters of Charity

The Daughters of Charity, another branch founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, also suffered persecution. These nuns, primarily dedicated to caring for the sick, the poor, and children, were targeted not only because of their religious status but also because of their social work, which made them highly visible in communities.

During the Civil War, at least 27 Daughters of Charity were martyred in Spain. Some of them died in their convents while caring for the sick or elderly under their care, refusing to abandon those they served.

Other Branches of the Vincentian Family

In addition to the Vincentian Missionaries and the Daughters of Charity, other branches of the Vincentian Family also saw their members martyred. Among them were members of the Miraculous Medal Association and laypeople involved in Vincentian works. These faithful, inspired by the Vincentian charism, worked alongside religious communities, offering their time and resources to assist the most needy. Furthermore, among all the martyrs of the Spanish Civil War, there were more than 500 members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), 34 of whom have already been beatified (according to the book “Santidade nas Conferências Vicentinas,” by Gesiel Júnior, 2023).

The persecution did not distinguish between religious and laypeople, and many of these lay collaborators were also martyred for their involvement in charitable and evangelizing work. Their testimony is a reminder that martyrdom is not exclusive to the consecrated, but that any Christian who lives their faith authentically may be called to give their life for the Gospel.

Testimonies of Faith and Martyrdom

One of the most moving aspects of the Vincentian martyrs’ story is their willingness to forgive. Many of them, before being executed, offered words of reconciliation and forgiveness to those who condemned them. This deeply Christian attitude reflects the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, who always advocated for love of enemies and service to others, even in the most difficult situations.

The testimony of these martyrs continues to inspire the Vincentian Family and the entire Church. Their sacrifice was not in vain, as their example of faith and dedication has left an indelible mark on the history of the Church in Spain. Additionally, many of them have been beatified and canonized, allowing their names and testimony to be known by present generations.

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The commemoration of the martyrs of the religious persecution of the 20th century in Spain is an opportunity to remember the transformative power of faith. These men and women, members of the Vincentian Family and other congregations, demonstrated with their lives that love for God and service to others are values that cannot be destroyed by violence.

November 6 is a day to not only celebrate their lives but also their legacy—a legacy of love, forgiveness, and self-giving. By remembering their sacrifice, we are called to live our faith with the same courage and commitment, following the example of those who preceded us on the path of the Gospel.

Their testimony invites us to reflect on our own response to Christ’s call in our lives, especially in times of difficulty. The Vincentian martyrs remind us that true charity, inspired by love for God and neighbor, is a path that sometimes requires the ultimate sacrifice but always leads to eternal life.