Barcelona: Over a century after his brutal martyrdom during Spain’s infamous “Week of Disasters,” Brother Licarion, a dedicated Marist monk, has been officially beatified. The solemn beatification ceremony was held on Saturday, July 12, at the Church of St. Francis de Sales in Barcelona and was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Brother Licarion, originally born in Bagnolet, Switzerland, grew up rooted in the Catholic faith and entered the Marist religious community at the age of 18. Upon taking his vows on August 15, 1888, he adopted the monastic name "May" and made his perpetual vows exactly five years later, in 1893. He was soon missioned to Spain, where he became instrumental in establishing and leading a Marist school in Barcelona.
However, his mission was not without opposition. In the same locality, an anti-religious educational institution and a hostile organization with heretical ideologies began operating, challenging the presence and influence of Catholic institutions. Tensions rose further due to public discontent with government mandates, particularly a decree enforcing compulsory military service. What began as civil unrest soon escalated into violent uprisings across the city.
Between July 26 and August 2, 1909, Barcelona witnessed a horrifying wave of anti-clerical violence a dark chapter known as the “Week of Disasters.” Churches, monasteries, and religious schools were systematically attacked, looted, and set ablaze by anarchists, republicans, and communists who had joined forces in the riots.
On the night of July 26, the Marist-run school where Brother Licarion lived and served was set on fire. The next morning, the monks were deceived by a false alert and stepped outside only to be met by an armed mob. Leading the group, Brother Licarion was shot on the spot. His body was then viciously mutilated with stones and clubs by the attackers.
More than a century later, the Church has recognized Brother Licarion’s steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs. His beatification serves not only as a moment of spiritual reverence but also as a reminder of the brutal persecution faced by Christians during that turbulent time in Spanish history.
The ceremony drew Marist brothers, clergy, and faithful from across Europe to honor the martyr whose blood was spilled on the streets of Barcelona for the Gospel he lived and preached.