Francisco Castells Brenuy
Diocesan priest, martyr of the persecution in Spain
Who they were
Francisco Castells Brenuy was born on 31 July 1866 at Pobla, was ordained priest in 1889 and took licences in theology and canon law and a doctorate in theology; after serving in several parishes he returned home and was later made administrator of the parish of Poal, well thought of for his courtesy and his life.
Arrested on 21 July 1936, he refused to blaspheme God despite the threats of the militia; released briefly on 31 July, he was taken again and died a martyr with the other Servants of God. He was beatified on 29 October 2005 by Benedict XVI, among José Tapies Sirvant and his six companions, diocesan priests killed in 1936.
The miracles
As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.
Why that counted as sanctity
The decree on martyrdom records that he refused to curse God under the threats of his captors.
Connected on this site
- José Tapies Sirvant Blessed“He was beatified on 29 October 2005 by Benedict XVI, among José Tapies Sirvant and his six companions, diocesan priests killed in 1936.” — this site's research
- Acta Apostolicae Sedis 97 (2005), p. 4 - decree on martyrdom
- Dicastery for the Causes of Saints - beatifications of 29 October 2005
- Wikidata R819b8e66 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
Checked against the sources listed on 22 September 2026. Corrections welcome.