Martyrdom of Love: a “Testimony” full of forgiveness and Gratitude

On this day we recall in a spirit of prayer and gratitude for the exemplary life of Blessed María Patrocinio Giner Gomis, Claretian Missionary Sister, died as a martyr in the Portichol de la Valldigna (Valencia – Spain) on November 13, 1936, during the religious persecution in Spain. She was an educator and formator for long years and is Congregational Patroness of the Formators. She marked an unforgotten story, shedding blood filled with love, forgiveness and gratitude, as told by her own persecutors:

“Before receiving the palm of martyrdom, on the journey to the place of her glorification, with an extraordinary serenity and fortitude of soul, Mother Patrocinio spoke to those who were going to execute her. She told them that they were going to do her a very great favour, because martyrdom for the faith would open the gates of heaven to her. But that they committed a very great crime, because of the hatred they showed against God. And so, she would pray from Heaven for them to be converted. And that beforehand, for what they were going to do with her, she forgave them with all her heart.” _{(Cf. CLARETIAN MISSIONARY SISTERS, To Love is to Give Oneself, p. 17-18)}

This testimony does not only belong to the past, but it continues to encourage us in every single day to live our “lives filled with forgiveness and gratitude”. It is not always easy to bear witness when we feel the tension between accepting or rejecting certain situations that arise in our daily lives. Blessed Martyr’s words of faith and hope casts off false convictions that evil acts reigns. No Gunfire kills the hope of those who direct their gaze to Christ and the blood that sheds is like a torch of all the pilgrims who march against the darkness of despair. Let’s continue to bring the light, that we may truly become pilgrims of hope in our homes, in our society.

The story of sacrificial love for Christ of Maria Patrocinio Giner and all other martyrs of her time, should help us becoming active artisans of love and peace. May our sister Maria Patrocinio, in love with God, whom she served with generosity and without reserving anything for herself, intercede for Claretian Family, and inspire us in the mission of accompanying, guiding, strengthening, especially young women in the various stages of formation. May all formators be inspired by her untiring spirit in serving the Lord.

Happy Feast of Blessed Martyr Maria Patrocinio Giner and happy Formators Day!