José Álvarez-Benavides de la Torre and 114 companions

The work of this group of martyrs is expressed through the pastoral dedication of the priests and the apostolic commitment of the laity within the Diocese of Almería. As a canon archivist, Father José Álvarez-Benavides carried out a colossal task of scientific reorganization of the Almería Cathedral archives, publishing an alphabetical subject index in 1908 that remains a reference for historians. He also undertook the writing of a history of Almería and an Episcopologio (chronology of bishops), which remained unfinished. His daily life was marked by austerity, charity toward the poor, and absolute fidelity to his ministry, celebrating Mass every day at the altar of the Immaculate Conception. The laity in the group belonged to various ecclesial organizations, notably Catholic Action and the Nocturnal Adoration. They bore witness to their faith in their professional and family lives (lawyers, farmers, teachers, artisans). Although illiterate and from a marginalized background, Emilia Fernández embodied a pure and unwavering faith. Her spiritual journey in prison, guided by her fellow inmates, shows how divine grace can touch the simplest hearts. Her refusal to betray the woman who had taught her the Rosary testifies to a heroic moral integrity.

The diocesan inquiry into the martyrdom of this group began on April 11, 1995 (Tuesday of Holy Week) in the Cathedral of Almería. More than 500 witnesses were heard, allowing for the compilation of a file of over 10,000 pages. This first phase concluded on May 21, 1998. Initially composed of 93 names, the cause was expanded to include 22 other candidates. A supplementary diocesan inquiry took place from February 26 to April 9, 1999. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints decreed the validity of the diocesan inquiry on February 26, 1999, and the Positio was submitted in July 2003. On June 14, 2016, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the martyrdom in odium fidei of José Álvarez-Benavides de la Torre and his 114 companions.

The beatification ceremony was celebrated on March 25, 2017, at the Exhibition and Congress Palace of Aguadulce, in Roquetas de Mar (Diocese of Almería), Spain. The celebration was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, acting as legate for Pope Francis. The group is celebrated collectively on November 6 (memorial of the martyrs of the religious persecution of the 20th century in Spain) and on September 13 (anniversary of the martyrdom of Father José Álvarez-Benavides de la Torre). Blessed Emilia Fernández Rodríguez is also commemorated individually on January 25 (the day of her death).

During the Angelus on March 26, 2017, Pope Francis hailed these martyrs as "heroic witnesses of Christ and his Gospel of peace and fraternal reconciliation." Faced with violence and torture, they chose to forgive their executioners, often dying while shouting "Long live Christ the King!".

The legacy of Emilia Fernández highlights the prayer of the Rosary as a path of sanctification and spiritual resistance. Her fidelity to this simple prayer sustained her in the trial of isolation and death.

As the first woman of the Romani (Gypsy) ethnic group to be beatified, Emilia has become a figure of pride and inspiration for her people. In January 2025, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the arrival of the Gypsy people in Spain, Pope Francis once again highlighted her example, recalling that she had passed on her faith to her cellmates and that she remains a model of courage for the entire Church.

The Diocese of Almería actively ensures the transmission of this spiritual legacy by organizing annual martyr days in various parishes, recalling that the blood of these witnesses is a seed of faith and reconciliation for contemporary society.