SW News: Three Spanish laywomen who worked as Red Cross volunteer nurses during the Spanish Civil War and were martyred for the faith were declared blessed on Saturday, May 29.

Pilar Gullon, Olga Monteserin and Octavia Iglesias were beatified in the cathedral of Astorga in Spain. They demonstrated extraordinary heroism and sense of duty when they decided to remain in Somiedo hospital when it came under attack during the Civil War. When the Republican militiamen captured them, they refused to renounce their faith. After being imprisoned briefly, the trio was executed on October 28, 1936.

The Nationalist forces of Francisco Franco and the Republican faction clashed during the Civil War. The Republicans slaughtered thousands of Catholic priests, religious, seminarians and believers. More than 1,900 martyrs have been beatified while 11 are already saints.

A Mass of thanksgiving was offered by Bishop Jesus Fernandez Gonzalez of Astorga on May 30 at St Peter’s parish in Ponferrada. During his homily, the prelate said believers are moved by the faith and dedication of the three woman martyrs. The bishop said they were confident in the love of God and did not allow themselves to be overcome by fear in spite of the persecution.

Bishop Gonzalez said that the martyrs continued to display their religious articles with courage and prayed without fail. The trio shouted Viva Cristo Rey (Long live Christ the King) before being executed.

The three nurses contemplated the suffering Christ and were accompanied by the tender closeness of Mary. They also learned to love those in need and even their executioners, said the bishop.

He also said that the three martyrs were aware of taking part in the divine life through baptism and of being called to identify with Christ. During the Mass, Bishop Gonzalez exhorted the believers to glorify God for the apostolic witness of the trio who was exemplary in their charity and social witness.