Fidela Oller Angelats and 2 companions

The work of these three martyrs is fully inscribed within the charism of the Institute of the Religious of Saint Joseph of Girona, founded in 1870 by the Venerable María Gay Tibau. This congregation has the mission of providing physical and spiritual assistance to the sick and suffering, particularly in their homes, in order to alleviate their pain and sow peace in their hearts. Each of the three religious sisters embodied this charism with profound charity: Fidela Oller Angelats distinguished herself by her wisdom, prudence, and gentleness as superior. By founding the house in Gandía in 1927, she enabled the expansion of the institute's action in the province of Valencia, establishing there a haven of peace and service for the most destitute. Josefa Monrabal Montaner, working under the direction of Mother Fidela in Gandía, was noted for her closeness to the sick, her simplicity, and her constant piety. Facunda Margenat Roura spent many years in the service of the sick in Barcelona, witnessing to an exemplary humility and tireless dedication, even in moments of fatigue or personal illness.

In the summer of 1936, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War was accompanied by a violent anti-religious persecution. Despite the threats and the obvious danger, the sisters chose not to abandon their posts caring for the sick. The martyrdom of Sister Facunda: In Barcelona, Sister Facunda Margenat Roura continued to care for a patient at home despite the climate of terror. She was arrested by Republican militiamen and executed. Her body was found on the morning of August 26, 1936, on the road to L'Arrabassada, near Barcelona. The martyrdom of Mother Fidela and Sister Josefa: In Gandía, the community was dispersed by the persecution. Mother Fidela found refuge in a private home. Sister Josefa, who had initially taken refuge at her mother's house, courageously chose to join her superior so as not to leave her alone in the face of danger. Discovered by the militiamen, they were arrested on August 28, 1936. They were taken by truck toward Valencia and shot during the night of August 29 to 30, 1936, at a place called "La Pedrera" in Gandía, on the road leading to Xeresa.

The diocesan process for the recognition of their martyrdom was conducted in the Archdiocese of Valencia between 2001 and 2003. On January 23, 2015, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing their death as martyrs, killed in hatred of the faith (in odium fidei). The beatification ceremony was celebrated on September 5, 2015, in the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Girona. It was presided over, in the name of Pope Francis, by Cardinal Angelo Amato, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. It was the very first beatification celebrated in the history of the Diocese of Girona. Their common liturgical feast is set for August 30.

The spirituality of Fidela Oller Angelats and her companions is based on confident abandonment to the will of God and on the contemplation of the suffering Christ through the sick. Their testimony is one of charity that goes as far as the supreme gift of life. During the Angelus on September 6, 2015, Pope Francis honored their memory in these terms: "Despite threats and intimidation, these women courageously remained at their posts to assist the sick, trusting in God. May their heroic testimony, even to the shedding of blood, give strength and hope to all those who are today persecuted for their Christian faith." Today, the Institute of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Girona continues its mission of healthcare and accompaniment of the elderly and marginalized in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The relics of Blessed Fidela and Blessed Josefa are piously preserved and venerated in the chapel of their community in Gandía.