Ceferino was the first Gypsy to be beatified. A member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, he was martyred August 9, 1936 in Spain.

Ceferino was born around 1861 in Benavent de Segria, in Lerida Province, Catalonia. He is best known as a Spanish Gypsy martyred during Spain’s civil war. Ceferino was a deeply religious man who tried to improve relations between Gypsies and non-Gypsies by mediating in conflicts. He tried to sow harmony and solidarity between the Gypsies

The cause of Ceferino, generally known by his nickname “El Pele“ moved especially quickly through Vatican channels, as Church officials saw an unusual opportunity to recognize and encourage the world’s gypsies.

Pele lived in Barbastro, and although he was nearly illiterate, his natural intelligence was enough to bring him to prominence; he became a member of the city council, and the bishop regularly consulted him for advice. In addition to a deep Eucharistic piety, he was active in the teaching of youngsters and care for the poor.

At a time when the militia was hunting down priests, Pele was arrested for harboring a young cleric, and eventually, after refusing to renounce the faith– shot by a firing squad. The beatification of a gypsy is an indication of the Church’s pastoral care for a people who have been, as one bishop put it, “baptized but never evangelized.”

See Vinspiration – The cause of Ceferino– generally known by his nickname “El Pele”– moved especially quickly through Vatican channels, as Church officials saw an unusual opportunity to recognize and encourage the world’s gypsies. Pele lived in Barbastro, and although he was nearly illiterate, his natural intelligence was enough to bring him to prominence; he became a member of the city council, and the bishop regularly consulted him for advice. In addition to a deep Eucharistic piety, he was active in the teaching of youngsters and care for the poor. At a time when the militia was hunting down priests, Pele was arrested for harboring a young cleric, and eventually– after refusing to renounce the faith– shot by a firing squad. The beatification of a gypsy is an indication of the Church’s pastoral care for a people who have been, as one bishop put it, “baptized but never evangelized.”

For more background on pastoral care of gypsies visit the Vatican site Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples”

Vincentian Encyclopedia for more links