Carlos Eraña Guruceta and 2 companions

The Society of Mary (Marianists), founded in 1817 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, places Christian education at the heart of its mission. Carlos, Fidel, and Jesús embodied this charism through distinct paths, yet united by the same ideal:

Carlos Eraña Guruceta: Born on November 2, 1884, in Aozaraza-Arechavaleta (Guipúzcoa), he entered the Marianist postulancy of Escoriaza in 1899 and took his first vows in 1903. A teacher by profession, he quickly distinguished himself by his qualities as a pedagogue and administrator. He served as director in several important Marianist colleges: in Ciudad Real (the Popular Institute of the Conception, known as "La Popular," from 1916 to 1927), in Tetuán, Morocco (from 1927 to 1933), where he oversaw the construction of a new school building, and then at the prestigious college of Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Madrid starting in 1933.

Fidel Fuidio Rodríguez: Born on April 24, 1880, in Yécora (Álava), he took his first vows in 1897. A teacher for 35 years (notably in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Madrid, and Ciudad Real), he was also a renowned archaeologist and historian. A disciple of the famous German prehistorian Hugo Obermaier, he is considered one of the pioneers of Madrid archaeology. He conducted numerous excavations with his students and, in 1932, defended his doctoral thesis titled Carpetania Romana (published in 1934). In his community life, he strove to be a "propagator of enthusiasm and a sower of optimism."

Jesús Hita Miranda: Born on April 17, 1900, in Calahorra (La Rioja), he entered the Marianist postulancy in 1913 and took his first vows in 1918. Despite a nervous stutter he strove to overcome with tenacity, and although he had initially aspired to the priesthood, he accepted with humility the decision of his superiors to remain a lay teaching brother. A history graduate from the University of Zaragoza in 1930, he taught history, Latin, and biology with passion in various colleges, notably in Ciudad Real and at the El Pilar college in Madrid. He summarized his life's ideal with this formula: "to be holy, to be useful, to give oneself."

In the summer of 1936, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War and the accompanying religious persecution upended the lives of the three religious. The Marianist college of Ciudad Real (Colegio Nuestra Señora del Prado) was requisitioned by Republican forces at the end of July, forcing the brothers to disperse and hide in boarding houses.

Carlos Eraña Guruceta left Madrid for Ciudad Real at the end of July 1936, hoping to find some security there with his former students. Although placed under house arrest, he courageously took on the responsibility of providing moral and financial support to his dispersed Marianist confreres. Arrested on September 6, 1936, he was imprisoned in the improvised 'checa' within the seminary of Ciudad Real. He spent his final days there in prayer and abandonment to Providence, before being shot on September 18, 1936, at Alarcos.

Fidel Fuidio Rodríguez, convalescing after a hernia operation in Madrid, was arrested on August 7, 1936, in his boarding house in Ciudad Real by militiamen who had noticed the crucifix he was wearing on his chest. Detained for more than two months in the civil government jails, he spent his time praying the rosary, supporting the morale of his fellow prisoners, and confessing regularly. Although released on October 15 after a mock trial, he was immediately recaptured by militiamen upon his exit and shot during the night of October 16 to 17, 1936, at Carrión de Calatrava.

Jesús Hita Miranda was sent to Ciudad Real at the end of June 1936 to teach summer courses. Sheltering in a boarding house (Doña Ramona's boarding house) alongside Passionist religious, he prepared himself spiritually for martyrdom, declaring: 'Whatever God wills, if we are martyrs, it is better.' On September 25, 1936, he was arrested by militiamen and taken to the seminary-prison. That same evening, he was taken to Carrión de Calatrava where he was shot. His body was thrown into the well of a noria near the cemetery.

The cause for the beatification of the three Marianists of Ciudad Real was introduced by the Diocese of Ciudad Real. The decree recognizing their martyrdom in odium fidei (in hatred of the faith) was promulgated by Pope John Paul II on July 6, 1993.

On October 1, 1995, Pope John Paul II celebrated their solemn beatification in St. Peter's Square in Rome, alongside 42 other martyrs of the Spanish Civil War and 64 martyrs of the French Revolution. They are the very first Marianist religious to be raised to the altars as martyrs.

The spirituality of Carlos, Fidel, and Jesús is deeply marked by the Marianist charism: an intense filial love for the Virgin Mary, the spirit of family, and a total consecration to the Christian education of youth. Facing death, they showed remarkable greatness of soul, explicitly forgiving their executioners and offering their lives for the reconciliation of their country.

Their common liturgical memorial is celebrated on September 18, the day of the martyrdom of Carlos Eraña Guruceta. Their relics (for those that could be identified or preserved) rest in the crypt of the Marianist college Nuestra Señora del Prado in Ciudad Real. A public school and a street in Ciudad Real also bear the name of Carlos Eraña.