Fr Joseph Calasanz (1872-1936) was born in Azanuy. In 1886 in Sarrià, he saw Don Bosco, by this time tired and suffering. He became a Salesian in 1890, and a priest five years later. He was secretary to Fr Rinaldi and following that superior of the Province of Perù-Bolivia.

After returning to Spain he became Provincial of Terraconense (Barcelona – Valencia). He was a man of great heart and a hard worker, interested in the salvation of his confreres from the outset.

Between 1936 and 1939 Spain erupted into a bloody and dramatic civil war: It was a conflict which ignited ideological enmities, resulting in a battle between democracy and fascism, between republicans and rebels led by General Franco. The Spanish Church also paid the price, subjected as it was to anarchic militias, and violent persecution.

Blessed Joseph was captured together with other Salesians while he was running a Retreat in Valencia. He was killed while being taken away, with a single shot to the head.

He was beatified together with 31 companions from the Salesian Family from Valencia who were martyred during the Spanish Civil War, between 1936 and 1939: 15 priests; 7 brothers; 6 clerics (priests in training); 2 Salesian Sisters; and a lay co-worker.

Their memorial is celebrated on 22 September.

For more information on all 32 members of this group of Beati, and downloadable resources, visit sdb.org