Joan Roig i Diggle
Male·September 11·Spain·20th century
Joan Roig i Diggle was a young Spanish layman known for his devotion to delivering communion and offering comfort to the sick and elderly. He spoke out against communism and was arrested and killed for his religious convictions during the Spanish Civil War. Pope Francis beatified him in 2020, recognizing his martyrdom.
Key Facts
- ›Joan Roig I Diggle was born in Barcelona on May 12, 1917, and was baptized in the Immaculate Conception parish church.
- ›He worked in warehouses to support his father and pursued his education with the La Salle Brothers and Piarists.
- ›Roig was a member of the Federation of Young Christians of Catalonia and was asked to lead a branch for younger children.
- ›He delivered communion to the infirm and elderly, offering them spiritual comfort and aid in preparing for death.
- ›He was arrested on September 10, 1936, for his faith and was killed near dawn on September 11, 1936, after being shot.
- ›Joan Roig I Diggle was beatified by Cardinal Juan José Omella Omella on November 7, 2020, in Barcelona.
Crucifix, Eucharistic Hosts
About Joan Roig i Diggle
Joan Roig i Diggle was a young Spanish layman beatified for his martyrdom during the Spanish Civil War. Born in Barcelona on May 12, 1917, he pursued his education while also working to support his family. Roig was deeply committed to his faith, serving as a minister of communion to the sick and elderly and offering them spiritual solace.
Life and Historical Context
Roig i Diggle's education was undertaken with the La Salle Brothers and Piarists. Despite aspirations to study law, financial circumstances necessitated his employment in warehouses. He was an active member of the Federation of Young Christians of Catalonia, even leading a branch for younger children. His commitment to his faith extended to daily Mass and weekly confession, under the guidance of his spiritual director. In March 1936, he published an article denouncing fascism and communism, which he knew could put him at odds with the prevailing political climate.
The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936 brought increased danger. Roig i Diggle hid for a period but chose to return to his duties, fearing for his nation and seeking strength for Christians. He received permission to keep Eucharistic hosts for emergencies, demonstrating his readiness to serve even in perilous times.
Martyrdom and Beatification
On September 10, 1936, masked militiamen arrested Joan Roig i Diggle at his home. In an act of devotion, he consumed the consecrated hosts he possessed to prevent their desecration. He was taken by his captors and, near dawn on September 11, 1936, was shot and killed. His death was recognized as martyrdom in hatred of the faith.
The process for his beatification began in 1993, with the formal request to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome in 1998. Following extensive diocesan investigation and review by Vatican officials, Pope Francis confirmed his beatification on October 2, 2019. Cardinal Juan José Omella Omella officially beatified Joan Roig i Diggle on November 7, 2020, at the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona. His remains are interred in the Sant Pere del Masnou parish church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joan Roig i Diggle born and when did he die?
Joan Roig i Diggle was born on May 12, 1917, and died on September 11, 1936. His life was tragically cut short during the Spanish Civil War.
What was Joan Roig i Diggle known for during his life?
He was known for his deep faith and his service to others, particularly for delivering communion to the sick and elderly and offering them comfort. He was also a member of the Federation of Young Christians of Catalonia.
Why was Joan Roig i Diggle arrested and killed?
Joan Roig i Diggle was arrested and killed due to his religious convictions and for speaking out against communism. His death was recognized as martyrdom in hatred of the faith.
When and where was Joan Roig i Diggle beatified?
Joan Roig i Diggle was beatified in the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona on November 7, 2020. Pope Francis confirmed his beatification.
Where are the relics of Joan Roig i Diggle kept?
The remains of Joan Roig i Diggle were found in 1938 and are interred in a chapel in the Sant Pere del Masnou parish church.
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