Cause for beatification of 21 year-old Spanish soldier opened
Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente

Ismael Molinero Novillo

Madrid, Spain, May 7, 2008 / 04:13 pm (CNA).- The Bishop of Ciudad Real in Spain has opened the diocesan phase of the cause of beatification of Ismael Molinero Novillo, also known as Ismael Tomelloso, a heroic soldier who offered his life for the faith during the Spanish Civil War.

The official opening took place at the bishop’s residence in Ciudad Real. 

On May 5, the 70th anniversary of the death of Ismael, Bishop Antonio Algora celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

According to the vice postulator for the cause, Blas Camacho Zancada, Ismael de Tomelloso was born on May 1, 1917.  His father was an ironsmith and he was one of 11 brothers and sisters.  He was known for his cheerful and friendly nature, and he often recited poetry and directed theatrical plays.  He had a profound spiritual life and prayed for many hours before the Blessed Sacrament.  He studied with the Daughters of St. Paul, where he developed an intense devotion for the Miraculous Medal.  In 1933, he joined the Catholic Action youth group in Tomelloso.  The Spanish Civil War had a great impact on him because of the murder of his spiritual director and the burning of churches.

In 1937 the Republican Army recruited him and forced him to participate in the war, but during the battle of Teruel he decided to lay down his weapon, holding his miraculous medal as he awaited death. He was detained by National troops and sent to a concentration camp.

While imprisoned he contracted pneumonia and was hospitalized in Zaragoza.  There he established a profound friendship with the chaplain of the concentration camp. While captive, he hid his membership with Catholic Action so that he would not be given privileged treatment.

“I want nothing of this world.  I belong to God and I live for God. If I die I will be totally God’s in heaven, and if I don’t die, I want to be a priest.  We need saints!” he said from his hospital bed.  He died on May 5, 1938, at the age of 21.

Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente
Subscriber comments:
Published by: Brian
Indianapolis, IN, USA 05/21/2008 10:00 AM EST
No, I do not support "Communist-Lefitist" either. I am simply asking that the Catholic Faith be severed from fascism--recall the Arrow Cross Party and the Ustashi.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Joe
Baton Rouge 05/13/2008 12:54 PM EST
So Brian from Indianapolis, if he faught for the Communist-Lefitist, that would be a good thing in your book?

Whatever Franco was and whatever evil acts he committed, he was not anti-Catholic and never, at least we have no evidence, that he murdered Catholic Priests and Nuns, as the Communist-Leftist-Republicans did during the Spainish Civil War.

Regards
Rate this comment:
Published by: Brian
Indianapolis, IN, USA 05/10/2008 05:56 PM EST
I get the impression that he didn't fight for Franco. Good for him. We need genuine disciples, not Francoists who shoot people who disagree and then throw them into mass graves. By the way, Thomas, I'm afraid that you've just spoken a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Gabriel Espinosa
Monticello 05/08/2008 12:33 PM EST
Instead of holding up people like M.L. King and Kennedy as true heroes to our children in catholic schools, why not hold up someone like this who truly is a hero of the faith. It's a shame.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Thomas
Houston/TX/USA 05/08/2008 12:41 AM EST
Great candidate for beatification! These examples are quite edifying and I would suggest that the Church should beatify as many of the Spanish Martyrs as possible--as many as are close to the present age since they are not that far away in time and even in their message since I think this very situation may be coming to Catholics in America in the future.
Rate this comment:
ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):
NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:
 
PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:
* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.
ADVERTISING
Place your ad here
Resources:
Columns:
News:
Documents:
Tools:
ACI Group:
ACI Prensa