Marciano José

Marciano José, born Filomeno López López on November 15, 1900, was a religious brother of the De La Salle Brothers and is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Turon. He died on October 9, 1934, during the Asturias revolt in Spain.

Life and Martyrdom

Filomeno López López was born in El Pedregal, Guadalajara. Around the age of twelve, he entered the juniorate of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. However, an infection led to his hearing loss, prompting his return home. He later returned to the order, becoming a novice in 1916. He made his final profession in 1925, adopting the name Marciano José. His duties primarily involved manual work, such as managing the clothes closet and assisting with cooking and church cleaning.

In 1934, Marciano José was working in Mieres when he volunteered to go to Turon, a town experiencing significant political and social unrest, in place of a brother who was hesitant. During the Asturias revolt, religious education was suppressed, forcing the Brothers of La Salle to disguise themselves. Marciano José took on the role of cook at the School of Our Lady of Covadonga. When authorities discovered that religion classes were still being taught, the community, including Marciano José, was imprisoned on October 5, 1934. Although initially released due to being mistaken for a simple employee, Marciano José insisted on remaining with his fellow brothers, thereby facing torture and harassment alongside them. On October 9, 1934, he and his companions were shot and buried in a common grave.

Canonization and Veneration

His remains were later transferred to the novitiate in Bujedo in 1935. In recognition of his martyrdom, Marciano José was canonized by Pope John Paul II on November 21, 1999, as part of the canonization of the Martyrs of Turon. His feast day is celebrated on October 9.