Frederic Tarrés Puigpelat and 25 companions

This group of 26 Capuchin martyrs reflects the diversity and vitality of the Capuchin province of Catalonia at that time. It consists of 15 priests, 6 clerics (young professed in formation), and 5 lay brothers.

* Father Frederic of Berga (Martí Tarrés Puigpelat): Born in Berga in 1877, he entered the Capuchins in 1896 and was ordained a priest in 1901. A preacher of immense fervor, he was described by the Bishop of Vic, Msgr. Josep Torras i Bages, as the "most apostolic preacher of his diocese." He held the offices of superior, missionary, and visitor in Central America, as well as provincial minister from 1921 to 1924. During the persecution, he organized a clandestine network in Barcelona to distribute communion to hidden faithful. * Brother Eloi of Bianya (Joan Ayats Plantalech): A lay brother and porter of the Sarrià convent, he enjoyed a great reputation for holiness during his lifetime due to his charity, simplicity, and benevolent welcome toward the poor. * The young professed: The group includes very young religious, such as Brother Eudald of Igualada (Lluís Estruch Vives), arrested and shot at the age of 18, making him the youngest victim of the group. * The lay brothers and scholars: Among them are intellectuals such as Father Modest of Mieres (Joan Bover Teixidó) and Father Martí of Barcelona (Jaume Boguñá Casanova), but also brothers assigned to domestic tasks, such as Brother Prudenci of Pomar de Cinca (Gregori Charlez Ribera), who was almost blind at the time of his flight.

All these religious, despite the dispersion and constant danger, remained faithful to their vow of poverty and service, offering a testimony of peace and forgiveness in the midst of violence.

The cause for the beatification of Frederic of Berga and his 25 companions began with a diocesan inquiry opened on March 28, 1957. However, due to the political and ecclesial context of the time, the process was quickly suspended. The cause was officially resumed on March 13, 1995. After the meticulous collection of testimonies and historical documents proving their death on account of their faith, the Positio was submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on March 15, 2005. On June 5, 2015, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree officially recognizing their martyrdom in odium fidei (in hatred of the faith), thus opening the way for their beatification without the requirement of a miracle.

The solemn beatification ceremony was celebrated on November 21, 2015, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in Barcelona. 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 following day, November 22, 2015, during the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square, Pope Francis honored the memory of the new blesseds, describing them as "gentle and courageous witnesses of Christ." He entrusted to their intercession those Christians who, even today, suffer persecution because of their faith.

The spirituality of this group of martyrs is deeply Franciscan, marked by humility, perfect joy in the face of adversity, and the forgiveness of offenses. Facing death, none of them manifested hatred or a desire for vengeance.

Their courage was manifested by a clear and serene confession of their religious identity at the time of their arrest. Questioned by the militiamen during a search, Father Frederic of Berga replied simply: "No hi donem més voltes. Sóc sacerdot" ("Let us not beat around the bush. I am a priest"). Likewise, Brother Felix of Tortosa died proclaiming that he was offering his life for Christ.

The legacy of these 26 Capuchin martyrs is a call to reconciliation and peace. As Cardinal Amato emphasized during their beatification, they invite the contemporary Church "not to hold grudges or hatred, but to pray, and even to love."