Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War

November 6

Thousands of men and women died for their faith during the anti-Catholic persecutions of the Spanish Civil War from 1934 to 1939. In keeping with the nature of November, they are remembered as a group on November 6. Their individual feasts are scattered throughout the calendar. November 6 is also the Commemoration of the Poor Souls of the Seraphic (Franciscan) Order.

Of the thousands who died for their faith during this anti-Catholic persecution, 4,184 were priests, 2,365 were monks and friars, and 283 were nuns; most of them were executed by firing squad. The number of Catholic lay people who were executed is beyond calculation. The Church has beatified 1,915 of the Spanish martyrs; 11 of them being canonized. For some 2,000 additional martyrs, the beatification process is underway.