«El siglo XX ha dado más mártires que toda la historia anterior de la Iglesia»

The Diocese of Valencia held a colloquium of experts to mark the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Valencian martyrs. The event, organized by the Vicariate of Evangelization and the Delegation for the Causes of Saints, examined the history of religious persecution in Spain during the 1930s.

During the discussion, Bishop Juan Antonio Martínez Camino of Madrid stated that the 20th century produced more martyrs than the entire previous history of the Church. He described the martyrdom of Christians as the most significant event in the history of the Church during the 20th century. Bishop Martínez Camino noted that honoring and knowing these martyrs provides the Church with evangelizing vigor, whereas a Church that is ashamed of its martyrs will struggle to evangelize.

The commemorative events will conclude on Sunday, September 27, with a thanksgiving Mass at the Valencia Cathedral. The initial colloquium was attended by family members, religious congregations, priests, and Church authorities.