Crescencia Valls Espí
Crescencia Valls Espí was a Spanish Catholic embroiderer who was martyred during the Spanish Civil War. Known for her charitable work and dedication to her faith, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Key Facts
- ›Crescencia Valls Espí was born in Onteniente, Spain, on June 9, 1863.
- ›She was an embroiderer who worked from home to support her family.
- ›She was a member of several Catholic charitable associations, including the Women of Saint Vincent de Paul.
- ›She was arrested with her three sisters, Concepción, Carmen, and Patrocinio, on September 26, 1936.
- ›Crescencia and her sisters were murdered by militiamen in Canals, Spain, on September 26, 1936.
- ›Her remains were later exhumed and interred at the Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Onteniente church.
Martyr, Social Apostle
About Crescencia Valls Espí
Crescencia Valls Espí was a Spanish Catholic laywoman, recognized as a martyr for her faith during the Spanish Civil War. Born in Onteniente on June 9, 1863, she was baptized the following day in the parish church of Santa Maria. She received a basic education from the Daughters of Charity of San Vicente de Paúl and became a devout Catholic.
Life and Martyrdom
Valls Espí worked as an embroiderer from her home, contributing to her family's support. She was actively involved in several charitable Catholic associations, including the Women of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Apostleship of Prayer, and the Third Order of Our Lady of Carmel. Her deep commitment to her faith and her charitable activities led the mayor of Onteniente to label her a "fervent Catholic," which resulted in her being denounced to the governor of Valencia.
On September 26, 1936, amidst the persecution of the Spanish Civil War, militiamen entered her home and arrested her along with her three sisters: Concepción, Carmen, and Patrocinio. After approximately 12 hours of imprisonment, all four sisters were taken to the port of Canals, where they were executed by shooting.
Beatification and Legacy
Following her death, Crescencia's body was initially placed in a common grave with other martyrs in the Canals cemetery. Her remains were later exhumed, and her relics were interred at the Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Onteniente church in her hometown. The Archdiocese of Valencia championed her cause for beatification, recognizing her as a "social apostle" for her dedication to faith and her charitable work, which included visiting the sick and assisting grieving families with burial expenses.
Crescencia Valls Espí was beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 11, 2001, as part of a group of 232 Spanish martyrs. Her life exemplified faith and charity in the face of persecution.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Crescencia Valls Espí born?
Crescencia Valls Espí was born in Onteniente, Spain, on June 9, 1863. She was baptized the following day in the parish church of Santa Maria.
What was Crescencia Valls Espí's occupation?
Crescencia Valls Espí was an embroiderer who worked from home. This occupation helped her to support her family.
What role did Crescencia Valls Espí play in charitable organizations?
She was a member of several charitable Catholic associations, including the Women of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Apostleship of Prayer, and the Third Order of Our Lady of Carmel. The Archdiocese of Valencia recognized her as a "social apostle" for her charitable work.
How did Crescencia Valls Espí die?
Crescencia Valls Espí was arrested with her three sisters on September 26, 1936, during the Spanish Civil War. They were taken to the port of Canals and murdered, shot in the neck, after approximately 12 hours of imprisonment.
When and by whom was Crescencia Valls Espí beatified?
Crescencia Valls Espí was beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 11, 2001. She was among a group of 232 Spanish martyrs recognized for their faith.
Where are the relics of Crescencia Valls Espí located?
Initially buried in a common grave, Crescencia Valls Espí's remains were later exhumed. Her relics are now interred in her hometown church, the Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Onteniente.
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