Ján Havlík was born on April 12, 1927 in Vlékovany, near Skalica, Slovakia (today known as Dubovce), to a family of modest means. His father, Karol Havlík, was a laborer, and his mother, Justina Pollékova, belonged to a humble family. Ján grew up during a time of great economic crisis, further intensified by the effects of World War II. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in education and a strong religious inclination.

During his childhood, Ján attended civic school in Holic, walking four miles daily to receive his education. Later, he continued his studies at the gymnasium in Skalica, where he cycled 26 miles every day. His commitment to study reflected his deep desire to learn and, eventually, to devote himself to religious life.

In 1943, at the age of 16, Ján entered the Apostolic School (minor seminary) of the Congregation of the Mission of St. Vincent de Paul in Banská Bystrica, while completing his secondary studies. This decision marked the beginning of his journey towards a religious vocation as a missionary and priest. During this time, his determination to serve the Church was strengthened, despite the political and social difficulties that loomed in post-war Europe.

Persecution and imprisonment under communist rule

After the end of World War II, the political regime in Czechoslovakia changed radically with the advent of communism in 1948. The new communist government launched an open struggle against the Church and its institutions. In this context, Ján Havlík, who had decided to become a priest and missionary, became a target for the authorities.

In 1950, the seminary where he was studying was closed by the communist authorities, who launched a systematic campaign of persecution against seminarians and priests. Ján was sent to work on the construction of a youth dam in Púchov and then to a state enterprise in Nitra. Despite these difficulties, Ján refused to join the regime-controlled seminaries and continued his studies in a clandestine manner, determined to follow his religious path despite the growing repression.

On October 29, 1951, Ján was arrested along with other fellow seminarians in Nitra. He was accused of “high treason” and subjected to intensive interrogation and torture for 16 months. Finally, in February 1953, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Ján was sent to the Jáchymov labor camp, where he worked as a miner in a uranium mine. The working conditions were extremely harsh, but it was in the midst of this suffering that Ján found a new dimension to his mission: if he could not be a priest, he would be a missionary in the most difficult circumstances.

Despite the mistreatment, Ján remained steadfast in his faith. He suffered another trial in 1959, which added another year to his sentence. He continued to be interrogated, mistreated and subjected to hard labor, while his health deteriorated severely. In August 1961, Ján collapsed at his workplace and was diagnosed with health problems that required immediate hospitalization. He was finally released from prison in October 1962, already seriously ill and physically weakened.

Final years and legacy

After his release, Ján spent the last three years of his life between the hospital and his mother’s house. Despite his delicate health, he continued to devote himself to apostolic work, assisting children in their First Communion, visiting the sick and translating religious texts. He never complained about his constant suffering or expressed resentment towards his persecutors.

On December 27, 1965, Ján Havlík died at the age of 37, on the feast of his patron saint, St. John the Evangelist. He died standing in the street, leaning against the wall of a house in Skalica. His death was seen as a true testament to his faith and perseverance. Since then, he has been remembered as a martyr of the faith, someone who remained steadfast in his religious vocation despite harsh persecutions.

The process of Ján Havlík’s beatification officially began on June 9, 2013 in Bratislava. On December 14, 2023, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing his martyrdom. The beatification of Ján Havlík took place on August 31, 2024 in Šaštin, in the Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, at 10:00 am. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and Representative of the Holy Father.

Ján Havlík’s life is a remarkable example of endurance and faith in times of adversity. His ability to maintain his spiritual integrity and commitment to the Church, even in the worst of circumstances, continues to inspire many people today.