St. Jaime Hilario Barbal

St. Jaime Hilario Barbal was a Spanish De La Salle Brother martyred during the Spanish Civil War for his faith. He remained steadfast in his religious conviction, dying with peace and forgiveness on his lips.

St. Jaime Hilario Barbal, born Manuel Barbal i Cosán on January 2, 1898, in Enviny, Catalonia, Spain, was a deeply devout and humble man whose life would become a powerful testimony of faith under persecution. Raised in a poor but religious farming family, Jaime early on demonstrated both intelligence and piety. Initially preparing for the priesthood, he studied in the seminary at Urgell, but due to increasing deafness, he had to abandon his clerical studies. Despite this setback, his vocation to serve God did not waver. Instead, he joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers) in 1917, taking the religious name "Jaime Hilario."

As a De La Salle Brother, Jaime committed himself wholeheartedly to education and spiritual formation, especially among the youth. He worked as a teacher, known for his gentleness, wisdom, and dedication to both academics and spiritual guidance. Eventually, his increasing deafness forced him to retire from teaching and serve as a gardener in the community. Even in this humble role, he carried out his duties with great joy and devotion, seeing it as service to God.

His peaceful life took a tragic turn during the Spanish Civil War, when anti-Catholic sentiment led to widespread persecution of clergy and religious figures. Jaime Hilario was arrested in 1936 while trying to reach the De La Salle community in Tarragona. When asked if he was a religious brother, he courageously affirmed his identity despite knowing the danger it posed. He was imprisoned and later sentenced to death solely for his religious vocation.

On January 18, 1937, Jaime was executed by firing squad at the Montjuïc Cemetery in Tarragona. According to accounts, he forgave his executioners and prayed as he faced his death. The first two volleys fired by the soldiers missed, and the commanding officer ordered them to fire again at close range. Witnesses later claimed it was as if divine providence delayed his death as a final testimony to his innocence and faith.

Jaime Hilario Barbal was beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II and canonized on November 21, 1999. He became the first De La Salle Brother to be declared a saint and is recognized as one of the many martyrs of the Spanish Civil War. His life is a beacon of fidelity, humility, and fearless witness to the Gospel in the face of suffering and death.

Feast Day

18-1-1937

Birth Date

2-1-1898

Died Date

18-1-1937

Canonised Date

21-11-1999

Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain

St. Jaime Hilario Barbal, faithful servant of God and martyr of truth, inspire us with your courage and peace. May we remain steadfast in faith during our trials, and proclaim Christ's love with unwavering devotion. Amen.
ST. JAIME HILARIO BARBAL

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ST. JAIME HILARIO BARBAL

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