Day 18 -- Martyrs of Valencia, Spain

Do you know how many martyrs there have been in the 20th century? More martyrs in our last century than in the first 19 centuries combined! Today we commemorate the feast of the 218 Martyrs of Valencia, Spain who were killed between the years 1934 and 1938. There were 22 different groups represent these people who were martyred. They were beatified on March 11, 2001 by Pope John Paul II and await canonization. Some groups include:

1. Diocesan priests of the Archdiocese of Valencia
2. Women of Catholic Action of the Archdiocese of Valencia
3. Men and Youth of Catholic Action of the Archdiocese of Valencia
4. Dominicans
5. Capuchin Sisters of the Order of Saint Clare
6. Carmelite Sisters of Charity
7. Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly

There were 266 martyrs beatified from the 20th century. Below is what is on the Vatican's website in reference to all the martyrs of the 20th century who were beatified, including Maximilian Kolbe who was canonized.

"Like Jesus they died at the hands of their executors, they died for their people, forgiving and asking God to hasten the hour of reconciliation. We are sure that even in the hour of their own glorification these martyrs cried out with the voice of their innocent blood to ask that peace and reconciliation may soon be a joyful reality among all peoples. Here is the list following the chronological order of the beatifications. Besides the year of death, also indicated is the manner of death and in brackets the date of beatification and, when celebrated outside the Vatican, where it took place."