Josep Samsó Elías

During his seventeen years of ministry in Mataró, Father Josep Samsó Elías distinguished himself through his tireless dedication, particularly in the field of catechesis and charity toward the most destitute. His bishop, Msgr. Manuel Irurita, would call him "the first catechist of the diocese." Conscious of the importance of transmitting the faith in an adapted manner, he trained a large number of lay catechists and organized training courses to adapt religious instruction to the psychology of children. To this end, he wrote a reference work, Guía para catequistes y directors de catequesi (Guide for Catechists and Directors of Catechesis), prepared in March 1936 but published only in 1940 due to political events.

Father Samsó was also a great promoter of liturgical beauty. He devoted significant resources to the interior embellishment of his parish church of Santa María de Mataró, fostering solemn and meticulous celebrations. His pastoral and material efforts would contribute greatly to this historic church later being elevated to the rank of minor basilica.

In July 1936, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War was accompanied by violent religious persecution. Faced with the danger, Father Samsó first took refuge with parishioners. Anxious not to put his hosts in danger and as a measure of prudence, he attempted to leave the city. However, on the night of July 28, 1936, he was arrested by republican militias and incarcerated in the Mataró prison. During his month of captivity, he shared a narrow cell with other prisoners, proving to be a constant spiritual support for his companions in misfortune, living this time of trial in prayer and abandonment to the divine will. At the end of August 1936, a column of militiamen demanded the execution of the prisoners held in Mataró. To avoid a general massacre, a compromise was reached with the local authorities: only the parish priest of Santa María, Father Josep Samsó Elías, would be executed, thus offering his life to save that of his fellow captives.

On September 1, 1936, Father Josep Samsó Elías was taken to the Mataró cemetery to be executed. Before being shot, demonstrating heroic charity, he asked to have his hands untied so that he could embrace his executioners, declaring that he forgave them. He also refused to be blindfolded, wishing to die while looking at and blessing his city of Mataró. He was put to death in hatred of the faith (in odium fidei). The cause for beatification was opened at the diocesan level on February 12, 1959. After a temporary suspension of trials related to the Civil War, decided by Pope Paul VI in 1964 to deepen investigations, the cause was reactivated under the pontificate of John Paul II. On December 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing his martyrdom. The beatification ceremony was celebrated on January 23, 2010, in the Basilica of Santa María de Mataró. Presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, representing Pope Benedict XVI, and in the presence of Cardinal Lluís Martínez Sistach, Archbishop of Barcelona, this beatification took on a historic character: it was the first to be celebrated in Catalonia since the 12th century, in accordance with the new provisions of Benedict XVI allowing beatifications to be celebrated in the dioceses of origin. His relics now rest in the Chapel of the Saints of the Basilica of Mataró.

The spirituality of Blessed Josep Samsó Elías rests on a profound configuration to Christ the Good Shepherd, lived through a total parochial ministry, a love for the liturgy, and an ardent zeal for Christian education. His spiritual testament resides in his ultimate gesture of forgiveness toward his executioners, making him a model of reconciliation and peace. In the aftermath of his beatification, during the Angelus of January 24, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI proposed him as an example to priests and laypeople, highlighting his dedication to catechesis and his testimony of forgiveness.