Titus Zeman was born on 4^th January 1915, in Vajnory, Slovakia. He was born into a Christian Family, and by the age of 10, he knew that he wanted to become a priest. He completed his studies at the Salesian House in Šaštín, Hronský Svätý Benedikt and Frištak near Holešova. Zeman entered the Salesian Novitiate in 1931 before making his perpetual profession on 7^th March 1938 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome.

Zeman studied Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome before going to Chieri. While in Chieri, he would often work in the Oratory in his free time. He was ordained a priest on 23^rd June 1940 by Cardinal Maurilio Fossati at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. He then returned home to say his first Mass on 4^th August 1940. And stayed there until 1950 as both a chaplain and catechist.

During the second world war, Slovakia separated from Czechoslovakia and allied itself with Germany. After the war, Czechoslovakia re-emerged, and all Church-run schools were taken over by the state. In 1950, under the communist regime, all religious orders were banned. This led to the potential for religious to be sent to concentration camps.

Zeman took charge of organizing trips to Turin so that those in formation could complete their studies. This was very risky, as had they been found then they would be arrested. But for 2 expeditions, they were successful. However, on the third expedition, Zeman was captured along with 16 others. While he was interrogated, he was often tortured and beaten to the point where his collarbone was broken, and he permanently lost his hearing.

He was described as a traitor and a Vatican spy, and during his trial, it was suggested that he receive the death penalty. However, on 22^nd February 1952, due to extenuating circumstances, he was instead sentenced to 25 years in prison.

After 12 years, Zeman was released on probation and went back to Vajnory. In 1967, he was given permission to celebrate Mass alone, and a year later was allowed to celebrate Mass publicly. However, Soviet forces started to invade Czechoslovakia, which caused Zeman to worry about being imprisoned again and led to his first heart attack. His health worsened with the worry about the communist regime and on 9^th January 1969, Zeman died as a result from the torture he received in prison.

Zeman was beatified on 30^th September 2017 by Pope Francis

You can read more about the life and work of Blessed Titus Zeman here