Today’s Saint of the Day is St. Julián-Alfredo, a Spanish religious brother and a martyr.

Brief History

Julián-Alfredo was born on December 24, 1903, in Cifuentes de Rueda (Leon). After the premature death of his mother, he had to live with his uncle, who was a priest, for a while. This made him grow up in a religious environment and pointed him toward a religious life when he was still very young. At the age of 17, he joined the Capuchins of Salamanca’s novice program, but a sudden illness forced him to leave and go back to his family. After recovery, he tried to get back into the Capuchins, but he was turned away. Then, he met the Brothers of the Christian Schools, who took him in as a novice at the age of 22. On August 15, 1927, he took his first vows. On August 28, 1932, he took his last vows. In his second year of religious service, the Lord gave him the crown of martyrs because he was kind and faithful. Saint Julian Alfredo was one of ten people who died in the Turon Massacre.

Fun Facts

• Brother Julián-Alfredo was a religious brother from Spain.
• Julián-Alfredo’s birth name was Vilfredo Fernández Zapico.
• At the age of 17, Julián-Alfredo entered the Capuchins of Salamanca.
• In 1926, Julian Alfredo joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
• Julian Alfredo devoted his time at the Brothers of the Christian Schools community to helping young people get ready for their first communion.
• He was assassinated in 1934 during the Asturias Revolution.
• Julián Alfredo’s remains are still at the Santa Maria de Bujedo Monastery.
• The Catholic Church considers Julián-Alfredo a martyr.
• Julián-Alfredo’s feast day is celebrated on October 9.
• On April 29, 1990, Julian Alfredo was beatified by Pope John Paul II.
• On November 21, 1999, Julián Alfredo and the other Martyrs of Turón Brothers were made saints by Pope John Paul II.