Blessed Carlos was 52 when he was martyred. Even some of his former students who occupied important political positions were unable to protect him from the executioners. He had been principal of the Instituto Popular de la Concepion in La Mancha (Ciudad Real) for 11 years (1916-1927)and was really loved. A superior wrote about him: ‚He is certainly the religious of the Province who best understands the little soul of the child in primary school and who is best prepared to direct this kind of teaching.” He had been transferred to Tetuan, Morrocco (1927-1933 ) and then to Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Pilar Primary School in Madrid. When trouble started, he went back to Ciudad Real. He felt he would be safer there. Unfortunately the opposite happened. Hetried to be a support to the various Marianists scattered throughout the city, bringing them news and money, and strengthening their determination to persevere. On September 6thsoldiers from the ‚popular army‛ arrested him and placed him at the Seminary,now turned into a prison. Blessed Carlos remained serene, continued to pray, and abandoned himself to Divine Providence. On September 18th he was taken with seven laymen and shot. He had written in applying for vows: The service of God, the practice of love toward the Divine Model and Mary his most holy Mother, I want that these be the aims of my entire life. That is the way he offered his life at the end.
Saint of the Day Quote: Blesssed Carlo Erana Guruceta
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
